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
found at the bridge crossing
Some others
found in a hole, halfway up Bonkers
snow flake lands on a glove beside faceted snow from the snow pit
Weather:
Overcast, with scattered snow flurries at times. Cool temperatures. Wind from the west less the 15 mph at the upper elevation.
Snow Pit:
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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