May 1
Field day ob included
West Willow, Dutches, McDonalds, Beartrap
Face shots in Dutches.
Leaving a trail of smoke
Profile of the Dutches cone cornice.
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Straight on view
Ski track into Vail ...uh...McDonalds.
6" of new snow at 7200' increased to 12+" at 10k. Snow was right side up and bonded well. There was an active density change within the last few inches, that produced a few sluffs on lee aspects.
Winds from the wnw- same as it ever was-gusting to around 20mph along the ridges.
Old surface crust is punchy in places.
Evaluation:
Stable snow conditions. Afternoon periods of sun turned exposed aspects to mashed potatoes. Snow at elevations below about 8500' and south facing will probably be crusted. Rapid warming will likely weaken the old-new snow bond, increasing potential for both dry and wet snow sluffs and slides. Collapsing of the partially frozen crust would be a further indication of instability.
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