January 11
Alta guard station, Holy Toledo, Black Knob(LSB), Ivory Flakes, Montreal Hill, Reynolds Flat
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
7400-10800', angles over 35°, all aspects.
Snow conditions
1-4" new snow over a mostly crusted base.
New snow was of medium density which padded the old surface. Bonding of new to old was good.
Old crusts are of variable strength and thickness.
Egg shells would snap, crackle and pop with ski cuts, somewhat disconcerting, however, no movement was observed.
Smooth supportable crust lacking old tracks, provided best turning conditions.
Good as it gets!
Hint: Mid slope traverses are not recommended.
Scattered old pow lingers in sheltered terrain.
Weather
Overcast, foggy skies, spits and sputters of snowflakes, moderate temperatures with light wind.
Partial clearing in the afternoon.
Avalanche activity
Shallow new snow drifting in lee aspect exposed terrain. Minimal movement with ski cuts.
Evaluation
Good stability in the area traveled.
Weather guessers have more snow suggested so...
Future stability would be dependent on new snow amounts and wind.
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