December 17
Spruces, Reynolds, Butler Basin, Alexander Basin, Millcreek
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
6400-9800', angles over 35°, all aspects.
Snow conditions
2-6" settled snow was found, faceting at upper elevations. Scattered surface hoar in
sheltered areas near a water source at lower elevations.
Crusts on south facing under recent snow were dissolving due to the gradient.
Lower elvation crusts on north facing were stout. Recent snow would sluff easily on those.
Weather
Overcast skies, moderate temperatures. Winds from the west increased during the day gusting to around 20 mph.
Avalanche activity
Glide activity in Broads, first observed on December 12, continued for some time?
Increased wind moved the light density snow just enough to produce small shallow slides on steep north east facing slopes in upper Alexander Basin.
Zoom
This one was observed in action. There were a coupla others in the area.
Drifts extended lower with a small pocket initiating on a ski cut.
Evaluation
Near surface faceting and a little wind created almost immediate instability.
Would expect an increase in this, as weather guessed new snow adds weight over the next few days.
There are areas with shallow snow and deeper weak layering.
Will have to wait and see if the suggested 2+ inches in water weight adds an impact.
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