Soft snow on Flagpole Peak

A light SW wind was not observed moving snow on Flagpole today. Winds did seem to be increasing as we left around noon. Snow has consolidated considerably at this location over the last week, but surface snow conditions remained excellent. Sunny aspects at lower elevations still held soft surface snow, but it was thin and a crust could easily be detected. Below trees in sunny areas there was a surface crust from previously melted snow off the tree. On shadier aspects the trees still held some snow and the surface conditions were wintry. 

Photo 1: Mid elevation wind effect. The firmest snow in this location was still only 4F hard. 

Photo 2: Impressive tree flagging from previous slide activity.

Photo 3: Near the ridge, evidence of previous E wind activity.