November 13

Spruces-Wilson Fork-Spruces

Elevations, slope angles and aspects

7500-9800', angles over 35°, all aspects.

Snow conditions

Minimal coverage to around 8500' and on sun exposed aspects.

traversing

Skin protection for bases was of value.

On shady upper elevations, wind exposure had the biggest impact.

Exposed areas had a few inches of soft and fluffy over the early November melt freeze crust with, facets resting on the damp, dense base layer.

Sheltered locations had the strongest snow pack viewed to date. The elusive late October rain crust was finally observed over a dense base layer. November mf, barely discernable.

Weather

Overcast to foggy skies, moderate temperatures. Winds were light.

Snow Pit

wilson-ridge-wilson-glade-snow-profiles

Evaluation

Stable snow on all aspects.

Sluffing potential on the steep and shady.

Weather guessers suggest cool temperatures so heating shouldn't be a factor.

Slab formation from wind would increase instability, especially in locations with the light and fluffy, resting on firm early November crust.

November 13 journal

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