Isolared Surface Hoar & Settlement Cracks Rubicon Peak

On our tour up Rubicon Peak today, I observed graupel on the snow surface from the trailhead to the summit pinnacle. Settlement cracks around trees were observed in more exposed areas (Pic 1 elev: 8650'). From 8300' to 8700' on N & NE aspects, my group observed surface hoar up to 5mm in wind sheltered areas of the hill. Most of the surface hoar was blown over and laying flat but there were a few areas where the V was intact. The snow quality was excellent again today although more supportable than yesterday with the new settlement.