February 10
Alexander-Wilson
Snow conditions
6-18" storm total, elevation and aspect dependent.
The storm snow was right side up, with good settlement. Ski cuts would produce sluffing within the most recent snow. Those ran some distance but, were lacking punch. Cornice kicking did produce one larger slide in the main Wilson chute which entrained all of the storm snow and ran several hundred feet.
Avalanche activity
One slide was observed at the 7400' level, just off the Millcreek road.
It was initiated by a skier exiting Alexander Basin. The slide was about 10' wide, 18" deep, north facing. It ran only a few feet.
The weak layer was well preserved
surface hoar resting on crust.
Weather
Overcast skies with partial clearing late in the afternoon. Winds were light from the southwest, even on the ridges. Temperatures were cooler than the last several days.
Evaluation
Sluffing of the new snow continued as snow amounts build. Ski cuts and cornice drops remain as management tools. The observed crown along the road indicates some patchy preservation of faceted weak layering in shady protected locations out of the wind. Something to be aware of but, likely not widespread.
Instability would increase with stronger wind and or continued significant snowfall.
© wowasatch.com