December 11
Mill D North Fork to Wilson Fork
Elevations, slope angles and aspects:
6200'-10'000', slope angles over 35°, all aspects
Avalanche activity:
Skier triggered slide in Wilson glade.
ne facing aspect
elevation: 9800'
Attmepted ski cut resulted in a head plant, mid cut. This was enough force to break out a slide about 50' wide and up to two feet deep. The slide ran about 500' vertical through the mid slope trees and part way down the open slope below.
A look at the crown
Looking up at the slide
Skier's right flank.
There was also a slide viewed in Broads Fork just south of the Diving board, coming off the rock slabs. Appeared to be new snow only.
Zooming a photo of the Bonkers area in Broads revealed
crowns on the ne facing shoulder.
Slopes skied:
Reynolds shoulder down the far west side into Butler, Wilson glade and an exit out the slow saddle of the headwall bowl east of the glade, continuing to Millcreek road.
Snow conditions:
6"-14" recent snow depending on elevation and aspect. A skiff of new overnight. 12" found on the face of Reynolds, increasing to 20" or so in Wilson glade, if the wind drifting is included. South facing had about 6" and received enough heating to form a crust with cooling.
Weather:
Cool temperatures, with a northerly breeze along the ridge lines, less than 15mph.
Snowpit:
Interesting to compare Reynolds and Wilson.
Evaluation:
Was interested in the shady north and east facing aspects in Millcreek, with a suspicion about a weak underlying snow pack. That was confirmed. I would suspect similar conditions in other drainages to the west.
© wowasatch.com