January 22
Willow-Beartrap
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
7800-10k, angles over 35°, all aspects.
Snow conditions
There was an inch of fresh at the trailhead with another 3-4" falling during the day.
Strong winds introducing the snowfall created a density change and added drifting. Winds calmed down some with light density capping the storm.
Cornice kicking and ski cuts produced new snow sluffs on east facing aspects.
West facing, scoured near the ridges with stiffer snow below.
South facing has a variable in strength and thckness, melt freeze crust. Occasional collapsing was felt on drier snow below.
Weather
Overcast skies, snow showers into late afternoon. Winds were strong from the northwest until early afternoon with, gusts over 30 mph, decreasing later.
Evaluation
Overnight settlement should ease sluffing issue leaving wind drifts on lee aspects. Those could run fast and far if stepping to the rain crust.
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