May 25
The doctor and physical therapist do not want me skiing.
I made an exception for a day. Don't tell anyone!
Location
Alta-Sugarloaf
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
8300-10'000', angles 30°, north and east facing aspects.
Snow conditions
I found 6" or so of new snow capped by a variable melt freeze crust which softened rather quickly as the day warmed.
Skiing was quite good on northeast facing at 11 am from 10k to something below 9k. Turning to mank below that.
Avalanche activity
Toledo bowl
Binks
Yellow trail
Patsy Marly
Zoomed
I think all of the pictured slides were from May 24.
They were wind drifted pockets on south and east faces with the exception of Patsy Marly which is west facing and crossloaded.
New snow sliding on the old surface likely caused by warming, loosening the bond.
Slides observed today were wet point releases initiated with day time heating, first on ese and following the compass.
Weather
A beauty. Clear skies, light winds and cool temperatures, gradually warming. Little wind.
Evaluation
Late spring storm producing predictable consequences.
A determined person may find a few lingering slabs, otherwise temperature dependent.
Large late spring wet avalanche cycle remains on hold till we see the heat.
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