I felt I could start later because this is North facing and a short climb. WRONG! I started at 6:15 am. The first 1000 ft. or so was on very firm snow and things went well. As soon as the sun started to hit it the snow was soft and punchy ie the thin slab crust was not supporting my weight. I was at about 13,800 or so and was able to stay close to the rocks and only had a little way to go to get to the ridge so I stuck with it. I had hoped to ski it but decided against it because the snow was so soft. I summitted at 7:45 and descended via the North East slope. This was very good skiing (corn) and salvaged the ski descent for me.
Lessons: The snow here is NOT consolidated into spring conditions, Start Early!
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