Dense spring snow and propagating ECTs

Traveled east to get above the rain-snow line with assistance from highway 2. We cross country skied yesterday on Marias Pass and the rain-snow line was downstream of the Snowslip Inn (approx. 4300'). Upon arriving at the trailhead for Peak 6996 today around 1230, we observed light rain at the trailhead.

• Rain line increased to approx. 5000' today with freezing level approx. 5600' this afternoon
• Above 6000', snow transitioned from moist to dry and we observed blowing snow with stronger gusts
  • 5 cm of new snow overnight above 6000'
  • Found 10-25 cm of dense new snow above lower density snow from earlier in the week above 5000'
• Multiple convective snow squalls occurred this afternoon with some producing S2-S5 snowfall rates
• The transition zone between frozen and liquid precipitation appears to be hovering between 4500-5000'
• Rain saturated snow found below 4500' sitting on top of a 1-3" stout crust
• Observed propagating results in ECTs on a buried rain crust with 0.5 mm facets above
• Didn't observe any cracking below skis while skinning or skiing
• Rollerballs triggered small, soft slab avalanche on an east aspect at approx. 5900'
• Cornice fall off the top of Peak 6996 triggered small, soft slab pocket below the ridgeline
• We found good quality, dense snow above 5000' in wind-sheltered terrain