January 5
Reynolds to Wilson
Elevations, slope angles and aspects:
6400-10'000', angles over 35°, all aspects.
Avalanche activity:
A bit of cracking within the new snow on the wind affected ridge line, ene facing Reynolds peak. Natural avalanche, east chute upper Alexander, cornice fall trigger. Crown was blown in, but most of that slide path ran during some windy period. No other signs of instability.
Slopes skied:
Reynolds peak, ne facing. Big Water north facing, nw facing off the Soldier Fork ridge into Wilson and the skier's left Wilson chute.
Snow conditions:
4" of lighter density over a sponge rubber crust. The crust may have been soggy from a period of rain early in the storm and was insulated by the lighter density new snow, keeping it unfrozen. A coupla inches were added during the day. Winds from the west were moving snow early, but calmed down as the day progressed.
Weather:
Overcast, with partial clearing later,moderate temperatures, winds in the 20 mph+ range, decreasing. Snow showers.
Snow pit:
Self explanatory
Evaluation:
Other than new snow drifting along the ridges, snow was mostly stable. Upper elevations were suspect, particularly those with an east facing aspect, loaded by strong winds.
January 6
Yellow Jacket-Toots to Boot
Elevations, slope angles and aspects:
6200-9000', angles over 35°, north, east and west aspects
Slopes skied:
Yellow Jacket northwest facing and aspen run north of Toots to Boot into Alexander Basin, exiting to the road.
Snow conditions:
Several inches of fresh snow over th spongy crusted base. Several inches fell during the day as the incoming storm intensified. That snow was not bonding, during the storm, resulting in loose snow sluffs, on steeper slopes and break overs. Winds were creating new slabs along the 9000' ridge line.
Weather:
Moderate temperatures, cooling with the storm. Winds increased to about 20mph, gusting into the 30mph+ range by afternoon. Overcast skies deteriorated to limited visibility with higher wind.
Evaluation:
Stable on west-northwest facing. Instabilities increased quickly on east facing aspects because of wind and snow fall. Natural activity on those aspects would be expected with progression of the storm.
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