February 5
Red Pine to Hogum
Elevation, slope angle and aspects
6800-10800', angles over 35°, all aspects
Snow conditions
There was some lingering soft settled snow in sheltered mid elevations. Surface hoar and near surface faceting had gone through a melt freeze cycle, mostly eliminated. Up higher, winds were moving any available loose snow, producing further drifting and scouring.
Upper elevation south facing did not heat enough to soften. Crusts were of variable thickness, at times, resembling a skating rink. Crampons and self arrest devices may be handy for extended travel on the south facing, although breaking through the crust is likely on foot.
Below about 8500', snow was damp from mild temperatures. Ski cuts were producing wet point release sluffs and large cinniman rolls on the exit from Hogum.Those were 3-5" deep, running on the old rain crusted surface.
Weather
Overcast skies, mild temperatures and winds from the south, gusting over 30 mph.
Evaluation
Mostly stable snow was found. Damp snow at lower elevations(north facing) produced the only instability, manageable with ski cuts.Cooler temperatures would eliminate that issue. Future instability would be from recently formed wind drifting at upper elevations and from a lack of bonding, if and when, significant new snow occurs.
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