December 13

Broads Fork to Bonkers

Elevations, slope angles and aspects:

6200'-10'000', slope angles over 35°, north and east facing aspects

Avalanche activity:

Activity was observed on December 11, the reason for the visit.

No recent activity observed.

Slopes skied:

Bonkers continuing out Broads.

Snow conditions:

Recent storm snow was 6" at the trail head increasing to about 20" at upper elevations. Some wind damage near the ridge.

A few crystals

feathers

found at the bridge crossing

feathers 1

Some others

comb

found in a hole, halfway up Bonkers

iccles

snow flake lands on a glove beside faceted snow from the snow pit

snow flake

Weather:

Overcast, with scattered snow flurries at times. Cool temperatures. Wind from the west less the 15 mph at the upper elevation.

Snow Pit:

bonkers snow profile

Evaluation:

No cracking or collapsing was observed.The large natural avalanche combined with the amount and weakness of faceted snow in the snow pit, even though test scores were high, promoted a cautious approach. Suspicion of further potential avalanches on the shady north and northeast facing in the area. I'd add upper Mill B south to that.

 

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