January 14
Porter Fork, Raymond Glade, Paradise, Millcreek
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
6200-10k, angles over 35°, north facing aspects.
Snow conditions
1" dense snow at the trailhead with another inch or so at upper elevations.
New snow bonded well to the old surface.
Surface sluffing on steepest slopes.
Daytime heating was melting snow with rain falling out of the trees at lower elevation and rollers at mid elevations.
Rime growth in trees facing the wind
was widespread at upper elevations.
Impressive needles.
Windward aspects were forming a stiff spongy surface crust.
Lee aspects, small cornices and shallow drifts.
Weather
Overcast skies, wind from the northwest gusting to about 15 mph at upper elevations.
Mild temperatures down low, moderate higher.
Snow pit
Several hand pits produced moderate shears, Q1, on small grained facets and hoar, 3-5" deep.
Evaluation
Mostly stable snow.
Hand pits indicated new snow load not enough for avalanche on buried weak layers except in drifted locations.
More wind or snow would increase potential.
Wet activity possible with warming.
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