Great report Graham. Here are 3 pics from your FB post.
What you found on the west side after Trail Crest is the main reason people don't use that route in winter. Next time you go, stick to the Mountaineers Route -- that is the route all the guiding services use in winter.
You have an amazing animal energy level to have broken trail all that distance!!
The lope west of the switchbacks, looking down at Trail Camp, and also Consultation Lake
Looking down from Trail Crest toward Trail Camp
The west side of the Main Trail, just below Trail Crest, looking down toward the JMT junction.
