Delayed melt this morning near Blue lakes

     Headed out towards Blue Lakes this morning. The road out still has lots of snow and the whoops are not to bad along the way. The meadows are starting to develop deep depressions and dirt is showing in the bottom of them. Creeks and drainages are also opening up making for further navigation to get around open water ways. Despite the 50 plus degree temperatures this morning the snow surface was still pretty firm @ 1000 with zero boot pen @ 7800'. There was a high cloud cover that was definitely blocking solar radiation which ultimately delayed the melt process in this area, along with a moderate south wind. I went to a SE aspect @ 8200' @ 1045  and dug down. There was still a 2-4cm melt freeze crust just below the surface but was weak 1F snow. If I stepped hard enough I could punch through the layer into wet snow below it. Boot pen varied over the next hour, solar aspects increased and shaded aspects remained firm in areas. I did see some recent wet loose, rock and cornice falls on surrounding cornice lines and peaks in this area.