December 23
Alta Guard station out Mineral Fork
Elevations, slope angleas and aspects:
7000-10'500' angles over 35°, all aspects
Avalanche Activity:
Limited to cracking within new snow layering, localized around skis near winddrifted ridgelines and from cornices kicking.
Possible new snow slide northern edge of Georges bowl below the saddle prior to Kessler ridge ascent.
Slopes skied:
Eyebrow, west facing into main Cardiff, High Ivory from the shoulder, Georges bowl, and east Mineral fork from the saddle between Ivory and Georges.
Snow conditions:
Snow had settled nicely with perhaps six inches of lighter density over the denser base.Wind drifting along the ridges, including the mid elevation Ivory and Georges ridge lines. Hand pits revealed an easy shear Q1 about 12-14" deep at the interface of new-old snow, possible facets.That layering was not reactive to ski cuts.
Weather:
It was overcast with fog and low clouds obscuring upper elevation terrain. Winds were gusting above 20 mph along the rdges and swirling in the drainages. Moderate temperatures.
Evaluation:
Hand pits indicated the continued lack of bonding, new snow with the old surface. Sizable drifts near the ridges, which I'd imagine were sensitve in exposed locations. Cautious approach found stable snow in the areas traveled through.
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