Warm sun and variable surfaces throughout our day outside of Strawberry. We traveled between 8k' and 10k' on north through east aspects, and did not observe any red flags or recent avalanches. In this area the pack definitely feels spring-like, and is a bit different to that of the structure in the alpine, and closer to the north slope where the weak snow is still showing signs of significant life.
Moderate to strong winds from all directions over the past week have shaped and scoured the landscape in wind-exposed terrain , revealing evidence s of where the locals like to lay down their tracks. 
Looking north, the hills are a bit whiter in the distance near the Mirror Lake Corridor, compared to that in the foreground. Snow totals for the recent storm were much higher on the north end of the range, and it beginning to show as the past few days have put a spring beatdown on mid and lower elevations.
Stepping-out cautiously into straightforward, mid-elevation polar terrain has been a treat the past couple days providing surfy skiing and predictable hazard. At upper elevations, I am still throwing caution to the January weak layer as it has not had as much help adjusting to the load in cold, steep, rocky areas that have seen more wind and snow.
And last but not least, the transportation update. On the South Slope, I think we are getting close to the end of access, for tracked vehicles that is. A slight cool down is on tap later this week, but it may not be enough so save much at this point.
