January 28

Alta guard-Cardiff-Mill B south-S curve.

Elevations, slope angles and aspects

6200-11k, angles over 35°, all aspects

Snow conditions

Sun crusted turning damp on south facing and off aspects.

Shady side was a mixed bag of glare ice, settled with facets and wind crusted.

Day time heating initiated rollers and point releases.

ridge-slump

Add an ice sculpture of two from creep.

ice-creep

Faceting is dissolving the January 16 rain crust in a few locations where it is thin and lightly covered by snow.

It is also weakening stronger crusts with, collapsing felt several times in upper elevation sheltered and shady.

Weather

Clear skies, light wind and mild temperatures.

Evaluation

Mostly stable snow.

Localized collapsing is an indication of instability, avalanche possible with a good trigger or repeated teasing.

Wet activity from day time heating.

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