May 20
Alta upper parking, Catherines, Sunset peak, Wolverine cirque(Grannies), Patsy Marley microwave.
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
8300-10500', angles over 35°, all aspects.
Snow conditions
I found 2-optimistic 4" of dense damp snow over a mostly supportable base. The underlying surface is a little soggy(boot penetration=12"+)
Ski cutting produced widespread roller balls. Most were small, occasionally forming cinnamon rolls of increased size.
Activity was most pronounced on steeper angles and below about 9500'.
Weather
Foggy skies most of the day. Misty snowfall adding little accumulation as it was absorbed into the sponge.
Mild temperatures with light wind from the wnw.
Evaluation
The new snow did some smoothing of the lumpy old surface. Rollers added clinkers on steep slopes.
Would expect a shallow wet slide cycle with warming. Active wind drifts on upper elevation lee aspects prior to settlement.
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