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

escape

potential for deep slab instability is becoming more of an exception than the rule.

Best to have an escape route.

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February 4 journal

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