March 5
Location:
Started at lower Solitude and ascended through Willow to the top of West Monitor descending to the flats.
Ascended the east face traversing over and descending South Monitor to the flats. Ascended to the south to the ridge and No Name bowl. Descended to the flats.
Winds from the south, in the 10-20mph range, moved enough snow to create shalow and isolated active wind drifts.
This one triggered from sun warming on east facing combined with a stability tester.
Ascended to the south to the ridge and No Name bowl.
Descended to the flats. Ascended through the trees on the south side to the ridge traversing and descending east facing into White Pine? Ascended the southeast facing traversing back around, descending Will’s Hill continuing past the Willow beaver ponds, out to Silver fork.
Weather:
Cool and clear in the am with high clouds and warmer temperatures in the afternoon. Breezy winds along the ridges, 10-20mph.
Snow:
Upper elevations received some wind damage although slabs were soft and resistant to shear. The damage extended down hill somewhat in exposed terrain. Sluffing was on the steeper and more sheltered terrain. There was potential for wet activity in the afternoon but none was observed.
Bottom Line:
Snow was mostly stable. Hazard would be limited to wind drifting in some isolated locations. Snow is available for transport with increased wind.