Scratchy but somewhat enjoyable conditions on Powderhouse

Took a solo tour up Powderhouse to check on conditions and results of recent wind events.

From trailhead at 7200' up to 8300' found a variable but seemingly weakening breakable crust sitting on top of soft, powdery snow. Observed canine tracks postholing the whole way up the skin track that had been filled in slightly with wind blown snow.

At higher elevations there was a firm, supportable crust of 5-7cm thickness with softer snow underneath on NW/N aspects. (see quick hand pit) There was recent accumulation of wind blown snow on top of the crust in varying amounts roughly 1cm to as much as 4cm in more open areas closer to the ridge.  Skin track (I bellieve from the day prior) had been filled in in some spots with wind-deposited snow.

The ridge showed expected signs from the recent intense wind events with hard, scoured slabs. I didn't not observe any insablity but did hear some hollow sounds when passing over a section of these around 8700'. At 8800' feet just below the summit, observed these slabs starting to melt under the intense sun as clouds lifted and the sky cleared.

Ski conditions offered decent, but scratchy turns in more open areas of the NW/N aspects. Large trees have wells that could still present a problem, Observed some as deep as 125cm along the skin track. Multiple small obstacles present (branches, rocks, bushes, etc) during the descent.