December 9
Bowman trail to the top of Gobblers, descending Porter Fork.
Elevations, slope angles and aspects:
6200-10'300, angles to 35°+, north and west aspects.
Avalanche activity:
One localized collapse in a sheltered area down off the ridge on Gobbler's shoulder. Old snow layering preserved in a little grove of trees. No other activity.
Slopes skied:
Cabin run on Gobblers and the main face shoulder, exiting out Porter Fork.
Snow conditions:
There was around 6" storm snow at the Terrace campground, increasing to about 14" in upper elevations. It was right side up with a distinct increased density near the old surface. Wind from the west had rimed, the trees near the ridge.
Weather:
Overcast skies, mostly foggy up high, with occasional partial clearing when a fog bank blew through. One short period of green housing, as the sun shown through the fog.
Moderate temperatures and light wind.
Snow pit:
Evaluation:
Stability was good in the area. Older snow layering previous to the the recent storm was either nonexistent or consisted of very shallow mostly crusted and dense snow. Exploration of sheltered areas retaining old snow, produced a collapse into older faceted layering.
Conclusion:
Terrain retaining early season snow from October and November is faceted and needs time to adjust to the new load. Instabilities in those areas are likely active.