February 15
Alta guard station, Cardiff pass, Eyebrow descent, Lower Ivory Flakes, Georges Bowl, Reynolds Flat.
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
7400'-10k+, angles over 35°, all aspects.
Snow conditions
Snow has settled to a dense, stiff, congealed cornmeal at elevations above about 8k.
Surprisingly, it skis good.
Below that elevation, mank and smush.
Cornices are large, continuing growth in exposed terrain.
Weather
Low clouds and mild temperatures. Wind at all elevations, stronger with gusts to about 30 mph up high
Avalanche activity
Large slide on Cardiac ridge-bowl.
300'-400' wide with depth of up to about 6'
Slide initiated in wind loaded, rocky terrain, spreading and stepping down at the lower break over.
Descent was about 2000' vertical.
A smaller slide was observed in the Santiago area of upper Mineral Fork.
Additional slides in Broads Fork(flat light viewing makes certainty questionable) encompassing much of the ene facing back bowl and blue ice.
Evaluation
Improving stability with settlement.
Potential lingers for active wind drifting at upper elevations with wet activity at lower elevations.
Weather guessers have cooler temperatures suggested by mid week, hopefully seizing up weak, old snow layering.
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