I never noticed this as much as I did in March 2015. Because of 8"+ in the pack and how dense it was, even in the March sun it seemed like it took forever to melt. Compare that to now where even this time of year, fluff goes quick in the sun. Frankly I was astonished how tenacious it was back then. I know people think higher elevations melt out slower due to temps, and part of that is true. But at higher elevations (even interior low spots) more water in the pack makes it harder.