December 13
Spruces campground to Reynolds peak.
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
7500-9000', angles over 35°, all aspects.
Snow conditions
12-18" new snow over variable old base. There were several density changes within new snow layering with heavier snow over lighter density. 2-4" additional during the day.
Collapsing was frequent in areas retaining old snow, even a few inches, because of old snow layering. I was watching snow bombs fall from large fur trees 20' away after experiencing a collapse.
Avalanche activity
A little teaser slide released remotely from a distance of about 50'. 18" deep, 30' wide, sliding to the ground. Snow pack consisted of new snow over a crumbing crust over 2" of large grained facets. Elevation about 8300'. The slide was on a slight north facing break over off the side of the lower Reynolds approach.
Reynolds peak
Sorry for pic quality.
Looking down
The slide was initiated from a distance of about 50 yards away. A collapse was felt on the flat section of Reynolds peak ridge line before the final approach up the ridge. Visibility was very poor but, snow turned to no snow. The entire north-northeast face slid to the ground (Looker's left-skiers right).100-150' wide with a crown up to 3'. Slide ran to the lower break over, with debris barely making the roll.
This was an area that retained old snow from October. The looker's right side was bare ground prior to last week's light density snow storm. It did not avalanche.
Snow pit
Weather
Snow, heavy at times. Winds from the west, gusting over 25 mph along the 9000' ridge line. Moderate temperatures.
Evaluation
Stability was poor in terrain with old snow layering. A bit surprising to see avalanche on old snow totaling 3" as was the case in the little tease slide.
Would not expect any sort of clean out of weak layering because of the complex nature of old snow layering. Should see extensive natural activity from areas with the weakest old snow. Those areas with crust-facet sandwiches especially those with stout crust will likely remain in place waiting for more load or a trigger.
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