February 4
Spruces-Reynolds peak-Butler fork-Wilson fork- Alexander Basin-Millcreek
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
6400-10k, angles over 35°, all aspects
Snow conditions
1-3" new snow over a variable old surface, crust on south and off aspects, settled and wind effected on the shady side.
New snow was of a moderate density, "fast and fun".
Patchy clouds prevented heating of sun exposed aspects.
South facing in Butler fork was well consolidated and would corn quickly with a melt freeze cycle.
Ski cuts and cornice drops produced only shallow short running surface sluffs and slabs.
Weather
Partly cloudy skies, moderate temperatures, light wind from the west
Evaluation
Healing and settlement continues.
Teasing the cat suggests
potential for deep slab instability is becoming more of an exception than the rule.
Best to have an escape route.
© wowasatch.com