January 11
Broads, Mill B south
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
6200-10800, angles over 35°, north facing aspects.
Snow conditions
Recrstallized snow over a variable base.
Period of increased wind created shallow drifting mostly at upper elevations on east facing aspects. West facing had some scouring and crossloading.
Surface hoar, buried and exposed, was found in upper Boards, widespread in upper Mill B.
Several drifted pockets were released with ski cuts on the descent into Mill B from the shoulder of Dromedary.
They were up to 5" deep, the largest only about 15' wide, changing to lose snow sluffs as they ran. Weak layer was buried surface hoar.
Weather
Partly cloudy in the am, low clouds and flat light in the afternoon. Moderate temperatures. Gusty, swirling winds, with speeds up to about 15mph.
Evaluation
Wind drifting on buried facets and surface hoar was the instability. Would expect this to remain a concern.
Continued sluffing on the steep and shady as surface snow weakens.
Wet activity possible with warming.
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