December 14
Mill D north fork-Reynolds-Big Water
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
7000-9000', angles over 35°, all aspects
Snow conditions
There was 3-6" new snow, elevation dependent, from the storm, 14" above the crusts. Total snow in the area was 2'+ or -. Coverage was good enough to ski from the trailhead, with caution. South facing now has a white color. Effects of both the sw winds before the recent storm and nw wind following were spotty.
No cracking was observed in drifts. No collapsing was felt till the Big Water ridgeline then, it was frequent and widespread on both the descent and ascent.
Weather
Overcast with a few flakes, partial clearing at times. Winds were less than 20 mph from the west. Cool temperatures.
Snow pit
A quick pit from near the top of Reynolds peak, ne facing, 8900'. New and recent snow over the now infamous rain crust, facets, older crust and depth hoar.
Snow pit testing in Big Water produced an easy shear in faceted snow just above the rain crust and another one just below the same crust, sliding on the older crust.
Big Water
Evaluation
Snow in the area is resting in a delicate balance of stability. I could hear collapsing with every other turn on the low angled descent of Big Water. Investigation of those tracks on ascent revealed shooting cracks and fractures radiating out from some turns. Periods of snow or extended stronger wind will, likely result in widespread instability.
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