November 30

Grizzly gulch, Silver Fork, Days Fork

Elevations, slope angles and aspects

7400-10200', angles over 35°, all aspects

Snow conditions

The news, of course, is a new rain-rime crust, formed Saturday, at all elevations above 8500'.

rain-rime

The crust is about 1/8" thick, stouter on west facing and a zipper on the more sheltered and shady. It had a skiff to an inch of snow capping and rests on the 1-3" from Friday's storm. Snow line remains around 8k on the shady side, with snow below 8500' damp and soggy. Ski conditions were loud, as the crust fractured when weighted.

Weather

Overcast skies with occasional fog. Winds were from the west, gusting to15mph. Mild temperatures.

Davenport snow pit

plethera

davenport-snow-profile

Evaluation

Snow remains stable. The new, somewhat fragile, crust slides right off lighter density snow below, when isolated. It may result in significant and widespread avalanching when loaded. Old-new bonding is questionable. Current weather suggests 4-8' by Wednesday morning, which, if occurring, will provide a good first test.

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November 30 journal

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