The "Y"looks like a rope set up in an equalized anchor configuration. Maybe it is anchored to a rock anchor under the snow?
It's difficult to understand the clues. The tracks must be recent since high winds would have rapidly erased them.
I imagine it would be somewhat difficult to tell which chute to take to get to the hogsback in low visibility, although I remember the Pearly gates being the most obvious chute looking southwest from the summit. I can't remember but it seems like the south chute (old mazama variation) would be directly opposite the north face.
BTW: for a route like the NF (being up to WI3 in difficulty) it would make little sense to carry two ice tools and a third axe since most ice tools can be used for self arrest in a pinch.
Here's to hoping that everyone, SAR and climbers comes down safely. Thank you for your efforts.
