November 18
Spruces campground, West Desolation, Beartrap, Dutches Draw, Desolation Lake and return to Spruces.
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
7500-10k+, angles over 35°, all aspects.
Snow conditions
Rain-snow line was between 7500 and 8k. Above that elevation, 3-5" of fresh new snow.
The old surface was spongy on the shady side, firmer off aspects and south facing.
Total snow varied from patchy to about 2', elevation and aspect dependent.
Optimistic inch fell during the day
Weather
Overcast to foggy skies with spits and sputters of snow above the rain line.
Wind was from the west, occasional gusts to 15 mph along the ridges.
Evaluation
Stability was good on all aspects at all elevations. Isolated cracking from small drifts along the ridge, no collapsing.
Instability limited to surface sluffing within the new snow and small rollers in soggy, rained on lower elevations.
A little bony on the exit.
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