December 14

Upper Solitude parking, Willow heights, Wills hill, West Willow, Silver Fork lodge

Elevations, slope angles and aspects

7800-10k, angles over 35°, all aspects.

Snow conditions

An inch or so of fresh starting the day, five inches+ by late afternoon.

New was of a medium density which did a nice job of covering old track and improving the skiing.

West facing was getting scoured by the ever present wind, south facing had a crust of variable thickness and strength.

North and east were soft and creamy, wind effect limited to exposed terrain.

Weather

Overcast to foggy skies, moderate temperatures with wsw wind along the ridges, gusting to around 20mph.

December 15

Porter fork, Raymond glade, Paradice

Elevations, slope angles and aspects

6200-9800', angles over 35°, north facing aspects.

Snow conditions

cinnamon-roll

Wet, sticky snow gradually drying with elevation gain. Above about 8500', snow was dense and creamy.

Recent snow had settled to a coupla inches at upper elevations. There was a layer or two of interest in the foot on top.

Ski penetration was a few inches, boot penetrations calf to knee.

Weather

Overcast skies, mild temperatures with light wind.

Avalanche activity

roof-creep

Numerous roof slides were observed which occurred since the last visit on the 11th.

There was also a debris pile mid slope in Paradice which probably ran on the 10th.

Rollers and pinwheeling was common at mid elevations with widespread snow bombs in the trees.

Snowpit

paradice-snow-profile

Evaluation

Good stability in sheltered terrain with wet activity the primary concern..

Upper elevations have seen near continuous wind for several days so...

Weather guessers have a significant storm suggested with 2' of snow and more wind.

I'd expect a natural cycle during the storm, with lingering instabilities from drifting, following.

Lack of persistent older weak layering indicates a strong and stable snow pack for the future.

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