December 21

Solitude, Willow, Wills Hill, West Willow, Beartrap

Elevations, slope angles and aspects

7800-10200', angles over 35°, all aspects.

Snow conditions

4-8" new snow with higher density capping lighter density.

Snow line in the a.m. was around 7400'. By afternoon it had risen to around 8k.

Wind exposed was herky jerky skiing with sheltered ne facing, quite good.

Weather

Hefty day, garbage bag weather.

Snow, heavy at times, rain at lower elevations.

Winds were strong along the ridges gusting to 30-40 mph from the northwest.

Temepratures, variable, dependent on wind exposure

Snow pit

wwillow-snow-profile

Evaluation

Marginal stability in wind exposed terrain. Would expect widespread natural activity.

Wind sheltered has some questionable layering, loading with high density snow.

I bailed.

Wear your helmet!

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