February 17
Spruces to Summit Park
Elevation, slope angles and aspects:
6500-9500', angles over 40°, all aspects.
Avalanche activity:
Limited to surface sluffing
on the steepest north facing . There was potential for wet activity from daytime heating but, none was observed.
Slopes skied:
Little Water peak north facing, Murdock peak two runs on the north facing, west and east peaks and Summit peak into Summit Park.
Snow conditions:
A skiff of new snow over a variety of old surfaces, wind and sun damaged. Sheltered mid elevations retained soft and settled old snow. Sun warming heated exposed aspects enough to produce skin icing later in the day.
Weather:
Bluebird with a few clouds drifting by at times. Cool in the shade, warm in the sun. Winds from the north along the ridges at less than 15 mph.
Evaluation:
Stable snow, comfortable in repose. Instabilities would be from daytime heating and isolated wind drifting, mainly at upper elevations.
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