Beautiful photos - thanx for the update on conditions.
It's hard to hike right after a snowstorm without snowshoes. The result is pretty much as you described it. Great for skiing, not so much for hiking. Part of the trick is to allow a few days to let new snowfall (semi) melt and consolidate.
There's a new storm forecast Th-Sat, with clearing expected to begin on Sun. As high pressure builds in after the low exits eastward, we're supposed to see a warming trend peaking on Thurs.
My plan at this point is to drive up & camp @ LP lake Tues, hike up to TC Wed (as well as do some other acclimatization activities), then hit the Chute 6am Thurs. Hopefully, a few days of intense sunshine and warm(er) temperatures will allow the snow to melt a bit, and then ice over & firm up each night in order to allow travel with crampons.
