April 8
Bowman-Pole Canyon-Porter Fork
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
6200-10400', angles over 35°, north and west facing aspects.
Snow conditions
6-14" new snow, elevation dependent.
Old snow surface was well frozen, even at the trailhead. The new snow was well bonded to that old surface.
Several density changes within the new were found, resulting from periods of wind.
The density changes were only producing shears near the ridge and on aspects drifted by wind.
Ski cuts produced sluffing but none of those wanted to run down hill .
Lower elevation exit retained dry snow although, it was denser.
Chains and four wheel drive are not required in Millcreek.
No crashes or cars off the road but, it was touch and go.
Weather
Overcast to foggy skies. Snow all day, "heavy at times". Light wind from the west, except along the ridge, where it was gusting over 20 mph. Moderate temperatures.
Evaluation
Mostly stable snow with drifting the main issue.
Would expect continued active wind drifts.
Weather guess has snowfall through Saturday?, hopefully settling fast enough to allow ski cutting.
Extended clearing would increase wet activity potential.
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