February 4
Mill D north fork out Wilson.
Elevations, slope angles and aspects:
6400-10000, angles over 35°, all aspects
Avalanche activity:
Limited to a cornice fall or two, overloaded from the pre frontal winds, releasing prior to snowfall and surface sluffing,
running with cornice drops, on slopes over 35°. Those were noted early in the day and were mostly settled out by afternoon.
Slopes skied:
Reynolds northeast facing, Reynolds west facing and Wilson main chute.
Snow conditions:
About 10" new at the Spruces parking. That amount increased to over 16" at 9k and above. The snow was right side up, no density inversions, well bonded and settling as the day progressed. Day time heating was not a factor on south facing.
Weather:
Partly cloudy to overcast with low clouds drifting though at times. Winds were light from the northwest, gusting to perhaps 15 mph. Moderate temperatures.
Evaluation:
Snow was mostly stable. Drifting found on mainly east facing was non reactive to cornice drops and ski cuts. Future instability would be from daytime heating or a period of increased wind.
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