I was just mentioning that with the marginal amount of cold we have had so far, Ice condition are poor as well as water bars and bogs, So were in a catch 22 for arctic cold we need it but then again we don't as that would hinder snow.
Yes, 12" minimal for a base, And that will depend on the density of the snow, Powder will just hide obstacles so you want to start with something firm and go from there.
If indeed the secondary idea holds, Then i would say yes its game on for here, I just can't but the RGEM yet unless we get others to follow, Now that i said that watch the 12z Nam come in similar.........