January 19
Mueller park-Bountiful Sessions
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
4600-9000', angles over 35°, all aspects
Snow conditions
Total snowpack was 12-24", with less at low elevations and in sun.
The strong inversion was evident at the low elevation trailhead with well developed surface hoar growing in the park.
Cupping nicely.
As ascent began, up the Kern River pipeline, south facing, spring made it's appearance and continued to the summits. The rime crust, formed on January 12,
was shattering, with shooting cracks
and fractures
extending in both directions for long distances. The phenomena was the result of facets under the crust warming with day time heating. It continued in shady areas into early afternoon prior to warming, eventually softening the crust, enough to relieve the tension.
Upper elevation shady had dry recrytalized old powder, only a few inches deep, over a solid base. Sun exposed was going through the melt-freeze process, with some early corn in isolated locations. Snow cone with a firnspeigal cap was a more common condition. Wet activity, even late in the day, was limited to a few rollers. Warmed snow remained supportable, a little slushy, into late afternoon.
Weather
Partly cloudy skies, winds from the east along the ridges, gusting to around 20 mph, mild spring temperatures.
Evaluation
Stable snow conditions. Some wet activity potential in the steepest terrain with prolonged exposure to sun and warming.
Crust-facet combo may result in widespread future slide activity, with significant loading.
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