March 30

upperbc-pano

Solitude, Wills Hill, McDonalds, Beartrap, West Desolation, Spruces

Elevations, slope angles and aspects

7500-10400', angles over 35°, all aspects.

Snow conditions

Early morning ascent into Willow on granular partially frozen.

The first impulse added an inch or so, accompanied by strong wind.

reed

The second impulse began with thunder in the distance and large graupel.

graupel-dust

By late afternoon, 4-6" of high density snow at upper elevations.

New snow bonded well with several density changes producing sluffing.

Weather

Overcast skies, snow, heavy at times, wind from the west, gusting over 30 mph.

dutches-wind

Temperatures were mild in the morning, cool by late afternoon.

Evaluation

Spring storms produce increased instability during and shortly after.

Sun angle is higher so, wet activity initiation is more rapid than mid winter.

Would expect active wind drifts on lee aspects + some cross loading.

Ski cutting starting zones and rollovers is suggested.

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