March 29
Spruces campground-Millcreek
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
6400-9200', angles over 35°, all aspects
Snow conditions
4-10" new snow over a mostly crusted base. Pre frontal winds and warm temperatures crusted all but the most sheltered north facing aspects.The new snow was accompanied by strong wind from the northwest, creating almost immediate wind drifting. Bonding of the new snow to the old surface was poor.
Weather
Overcast skies, snow, heavy at times and wind from the northwest, gusting to 40+ mph. Moderate temperatures, adda wind chill.
Evaluation
Cool temperatures following the warm up decreased, but didn't eliminate the potential for active wind drifts in older snow layering. New snow and strong winds combined with a poor old-new bond increased potential for instability, especially in areas receiving the most snow and strongest wind.
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