December 27
Willow Heights(again)
to West Monitor, Wills trees out to Silver Fork.
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
7800-10k+, angles over 35°, all aspects.
Snow conditions
12-16" new snow over a variable, mostly supportable base.
Snow was right side up with the lightest on top.
That light density snow would sluff with ski cuts and cornice drops. Sluffs were a bit sluggish and not running far.
Observed natural activity was cornice falls from a windy period during the storm on primarily east facing.
Weather
Moderate temperatures with mostly light wind
Wind along the ridges was from the north, channeling through terrain features, moving a little snow in places.
Evaluation
Instability, once again, was sluffing within new snow layering.
Evidence of wind drifting was pretty obvious and easily avoided. Potential for slab release exists in the drifted areas.
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