December 18
Mill D north, Reynolds, Big Water, Soldier Fork, Millcreek
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
6400-9400', angles over 35°, all aspects.
Snow conditions
Recent storm snow has settled with 6" to an optimistic 12" total.
It is capped by a rime crust of variable strength, from stout to unnoticeable. Annoying to say the least.
Ski conditions range from kick turns where the crust is stout to soft and creamy in the most sheltered terrain.
South facing heated enough to create skin icing issues and will likely be crusted.
Mid and lower elevations remain brushy.
Total snow in the area traveled through is 16-24".
Weather
Clear to partly cloudy skies, light wind with mild temperatures at upper elevations and in the sun.
Cool temperatures at lower elevations in the shade because of inversion.
Avalanche activity
Pockets were observed on Cardiac ridge, Kessler(God's Lawnmower),
Raymond(southeast face Mill A)
and Butler Basin.
The majority of the activity was the result of wind drifting with slides breaking into older layering.
All observed activity was a day or so old.
Evaluation
Mostly stable snow. Wind drifts were the primary concern. Ski cutting produced some cracking, no movement.
Complexity adds confusion with the snow pack becoming increasingly complex.
Add a rime crust, add a bridge over the older, deeper weak layers.
Weather guessers continue to suggest storms through Christmas so...
Future stability will be dependent on snow amount, wind and bonding.
Keep the helmet handy!
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