I walked to 2000 ft before putting skis on the feet seemed reasonable. From 2000-2500 feet the snow depth averaged about 13cm and was affected by a melt freeze cycle with the snow being fairly consolidated. Once above 2500 feet, any aspect with solar tilt had an inch crust on it with faceting occurring below the crust. I dug a hand pit at 3400 feet and was surprised to find 69 cm of snow. The story was the same at higher elevations, Solar crust with faceting occurring below, the top 10 cm broke off before the column was isolated in the hand pit. Shout out to the two who booted to the top of Manitoba, strong work.