All elevations and aspects got a solid refreeze last night. Throughout the day, I could not get my pole to penetrate past the refrozen crust, even with surface warming.
Surface conditions on solar aspects were generally 1-2" of damp, buttery snow sitting on a hard, but edgeable crust. Polar aspects were either frozen solid, or, on protected upper elevations, had 1-2" of dry wind blown snow sitting on top of the crust.
Some large cornice formation was noted on East and NE aspects.
Ski penetration throughout the day was 0-2cm while boot pen was 0-10cm. Polar aspects at low elevations were still rock solid by noon.
first signs of snow in very protected polar areas was at about 5800' and I was able to stay mostly on snow above 6000'.
