December 15

Alta gurad station-Cardiff-Powerline-Georges

Elevations, slope angles and aspects

7000-10k, angles approaching 35°, all aspects

Snow condiditons

New and recent snow was blown around, with amount of new limited to spits and sputters. South facing was scoured to bare ground in some areas, surface crusts in others with, scattered wind drifts. Other aspects have variable snow ranging the gamut from wind distribution. Cool temperatures are accelerating the breakdown of of supportable snow. Localized collapsing, particularly at mid and lower elevations with shallow snow, is increasingly common. The shattering of old rain crust on descent can be, both, felt and heard.

This photo seems to be making the rounds.

george's-rain-crust

Just as well add a decent copy.

Weather

Overcast skies, a few flakes of snow, south wind gusting to around 30 mph and cool temperatures.

Evaluation

Recrystalized snow under wind drifts, crusts and resting on bare ground are not promoting stability. Instabilities are localized but, may be hard slab over facets, with near infinite variablity from wind distribution.

Spooky!

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December 15 journal

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