Your comment about a pack of wolves triggered a quick search about a viral photo I saw years ago with wolves walking in a single-file line in deep snow. Some interesting finds and it confirmed what you're saying about the leader/strongest in front (e.g. https://srilanka.factcrescendo.com/english/fact-check-misleading-claim-on-wolf-pack-behaviour/ and many other fact-checks).

And apparently it was another fun hiking outing for you. Lucky you! Too bad for the following storm though.