Hyalite

Went up Palace Butte and Maid of the Mist today, and in the process got a good tour of all aspects above 9000 ft. The snowpack is highly variable, with north aspects generally 1m deep and weak, foot pen to the ground, and south aspects shallower with mixed crusts and facets, 15-50cm foot pen. I got a good look around and noticed widespread wind texture across the area, and suspect challenging skiing awaits those who venture above treeline. Over the course of the day we traversed many slopes in the 35-45 degree range, on multiple aspects, some of which were heavily wind loaded, and did not see any cracking, collapsing, or signs of avalanche activity. I also observed the largest facets I have noticed yet this season, at the base of the pack on S aspect, 9000 ft, HS 60cm. 2+mm, cup shape and striations visible. Things are setting up to be quite interesting above treeline when/if it snows.