December 26
Spruces-Soldier Fork-Wilson Fork-Alexander Basin-Millcreek
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
6400-10k, angles over 35°, all aspects
Snow conditions
The Mill D North trail is a paved highway to Dog Lake. Tubing would be fast and fun.
Light density snow has recrystalized at and near the surface in wind and sun sheltered. It would sluff a bit if the slope was very steep.
Wind exposed has variable crusted conditions. Alexander Basin had the most damage.
Weather
Bluebird, with cool temperatures and light wind.
Snow pit
A slide was discovered in Soldier Fork. It ran during the mid December storm.
The crown was concealed well below the ridgeline at the upper breakover, leaving a hell of a big patch of hang fire in the lower angled stronger snowfield, above.
Evaluation
Stable snow was found on all aspects, at all elevations in the area traveled through.
There may still be some isolated deep slab instability in select terrain. Recent wind drifts could also move, if a person was determined enough.
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