Cold snow escaping melt on Waterhouse.

We went to Waterhouse Peak today to gauge how warming is changing snow surface conditions on mid and upper elevation N aspects. The relatively low sun angle this time of year is allowing the snow surface on N aspects to remain cold and unconsolidated in open wind protected areas.  Melt from the treetops up in the sun has fallen as free water onto the snow surface and created pockets of melt-freeze. This is most prominent below 8,000', but extended up to the summit near 9,500'.  Cold unconsolidated snow remains around these tree dripping areas. No informal signs of instability observed while on tour in this area.

Thin melt-freeze crust was noted on E-SE-S aspects up to the summit at ~9,500'. Looking into the distance, exposed rain crust was seen in above treeline areas scoured by recent NE winds.