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.

banana-belt

Wind had done some drifting on lee aspects, mostly east facing, but cornice drops

checking

and ski cuts initiated no fracturing.

Evaluation

Snow was mostly stable.

Ski cuts are suggested on steep slopes.

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