March 11
Mill D north fork-Reynolds peak-Butler basin-Wilson-Butler fork
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
7200-10k, angles over 35°, all aspects.
Snow conditions
There was an inch or so of fresh snow over a variable base.
Lower and mid elevations had cooled down but, warmed up as the day progressed.
Good settlement eased potential for wet activity with a few point releases and rollers observed.
Dense and creamy on upper elevation sheltered north facing, softening crusts on off aspects.
The elusive snocone snow was found in late afternoon on open south facing at upper elevations.
Weather
Cloudy in the morning with partly cloudy skies the rest of the day. Temperatures were mild with light wind.
Avalanche activity
The slides observed several days ago in the Wilson chutes were new snow only. Crowns and debris were both covered by wind blown and recent snow.
Some debris and a path are visible in the wet slide photo below.
Another older new snow slide was observed off Wilson peak into the glade area. Looked like a skier trigger several days old.
Three wet slides in mid slope Wilson chutes from the warming two days ago. Point releases off rocks or trees which spread, leaving debris in the aprons.
Glide in Broads
Reawakening of glide. Pocket next to the Diving board running in the last day or so.
Zooming shows a wind drift also released from high on blue ice area with debris reaching the gully.
Evaluation
Snow was mostly stable. Aspects chosen and timing of ascent and descent were both important.
Weather guess is for a little fresh snow with mild temperatures.
Would expect instability to be limited to a few active drifts on the shady side with wet activity from warming possible .
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