December 15
Alta gurad station-Cardiff-Powerline-Georges
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
7000-10k, angles approaching 35°, all aspects
Snow condiditons
New and recent snow was blown around, with amount of new limited to spits and sputters. South facing was scoured to bare ground in some areas, surface crusts in others with, scattered wind drifts. Other aspects have variable snow ranging the gamut from wind distribution. Cool temperatures are accelerating the breakdown of of supportable snow. Localized collapsing, particularly at mid and lower elevations with shallow snow, is increasingly common. The shattering of old rain crust on descent can be, both, felt and heard.
This photo seems to be making the rounds.
Just as well add a decent copy.
Weather
Overcast skies, a few flakes of snow, south wind gusting to around 30 mph and cool temperatures.
Evaluation
Recrystalized snow under wind drifts, crusts and resting on bare ground are not promoting stability. Instabilities are localized but, may be hard slab over facets, with near infinite variablity from wind distribution.
Spooky!
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