February 7
Spruces to Millcreek
Elevations, slope angles and aspects:
6200-9000', angles over 40°, north facing aspects.
Avalanche activity:
Ski cutting and cornice drops produced 2 slides within recent wind drifted snow.
Headwall, east of Wilson Glade
ran a surprising distance, perhaps 800' vertical.
A cornice drop
into Thousand springs also initiated a new snow slide, with a crown approaching 1' deep. That one didn't run far because of previous natural activity.
A large slide
was observed in upper Alexander Basin, ene facing, over 2' deep, the result of a cornice fall.
Natural activity was observed on south facing,
with debris piles on the Millcreek road at 7000'
Slopes skied:
Reynolds north facing, northwest facing into Wilson Fork, Headwall bowl and Thousand spring
Snow conditions:
The latest storm added an inch or two of high density snow. Winds blew that around creating a distinct density change. Winds also blew all the lighter density snow from previous storms out of the trees, creating clinkers up high and rollers at lower elevations in any treed area. Mild temperatures added loose snow sluffs and widespread rollers at the lower elevations.
Weather:
Overcast skies, winds gusting into the 30 mph range,
a flake or two of snow and mild temperatures.
Evaluation:
Strong winds and high density snow eliminated most of the good skiing from the last few days. That combination increased instability dramatically. Without faceted layering, instabilities should settle out quickly but, the larger deeper slide observed, suggests a cautious approach until the wind dies off and settlement occurs.
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