December 15
South and West Monitor, Willow heights.
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
7600-10k, angles over 35°, all aspects
Snow conditions
4-8" of new snow over a variably crusted base. The new snow was right side up and bonded well.
Temperatures remained cool so crusting on south facing and off aspects should be minimal.
Weather
Mid level cloud layer lingered into early afternoon before clearing. Cool temperatures and light wind.
Avalanche activity
Sluffing within new snow was the only observed instability.
Wind had done some drifting on lee aspects, mostly east facing, but cornice drops
and ski cuts initiated no fracturing.
Evaluation
Snow was mostly stable.
Ski cuts are suggested on steep slopes.
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