January 9
Bowman trail, Gobblers Cabin run, Pole canyon
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
6200'-10k+, angles over 35°, north and west facing aspects.
Snow conditions
2" new snow at the trail head, increasing with elevation to about 6" at 8500'.
No idea of new snow amounts up high because I got nailed by frontal passage.
New snow was of moderate density, bonding well to the old surface.
Ski penetration, a few inches, boot penetration variable with support lacking in lower and mid elevation sheltered areas.
Cabin run scoured with a supportable, crusted base.
Weather
Overcast, low clouds and flurries with light wind during ascent.
Winds increased as did snowfall about the time I entered the upper bowl...
heavy snow, mostly graupel, wind from the northwest gusting over 30 mph.
I bailed off the ridge down Pole canyon.
Evaluation
Increasing instability with shallow active drifting quickly formed, even in lower elevation gullies.
Weather guessers have increased snow amounts suggesting 2" added water, warming temperatures and strong wind.
Would expect a widespread natural avalanche cycle.
Predicted totals are likely not enough for a clean out, we'll see.
That was fun!!
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