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.
Add an ice sculpture of two from 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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