Challenging conditions on Red Lake Peak

The Red Lake Peak approach from Hwy 88 involved collapsing breakable crust skinning until above 8000 feet. Around 9000 feet on N and NE aspects surface conditions were firm with 1 Finger hard snow down approximately 40 cms. 

Signs of previous natural avalanche activity were subtle but present. It appeared that most of the steeper terrain had slid during the storm, but much of the evidence was softened and partially obsured by new snow that fell after the slides. Faint crowns were visible below the cliffs below the ridge leading to the summit. Debris was visible below and to the side of our pit location and debris was visible on the edge of Crater Lake. 

Photo 1: Settlement cones.

Photo 2: Very strong snow for the top 40cms in this area. 

Photo 3: ECTP 24 down 45cms from surface. ECTPs were repeatable, but not 100% consistent. I had a couple ECTN results as well.