February 9
West Porter
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
6200-9500', angles over 35°, north facing aspects.
Snow conditions
3-4" new snow during the day at upper elevations.
Soggy at the trailhead, changing to mank at about 7500', changing to dense snow at 8k.
Much denser snow than yesterday with skis staying near the surface on descent.
Extensive small rollers below 8k with ski cutting, no propagation.
Weather
Rain-snow mix to 7500, dense snow above that elevation. Hefty bag handy at lower elevations.
No wind with moderate temperatures.
Avalanche activity
Tree bomb slide at 8200'
Noticed off trail on the ascent.
Another larger slide was observed further up canyon. It initiated at the ridge with a likely cornice fall trigger.
Ene facing just south of the Thaynes canyon traverse.
Estimated elevation 9200' width and depth unknown. Ran about 800' vertical confined to the gully.
Widespread sluffing on steep east facing slopes.
Snow pit
Evaluation
The plan was a Porter to Neffs tour. Observed activity over running the West Porter exit eliminated that option.
Marginal stability in area traveled.
Would expect continued new snow instability, decreasing with settlement.
Potential for deeper layer activation in wind drifted areas, especially those retaining weak old snow layering.
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