November 22
Silver Fork lodge-Willow Heights-Monitors
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
7800'-10k, angles less than 35°, north, south and west facing aspects
Snow conditions
4-6" new snow over an variable depth of settled base. Drifting and scouring would be the predominant snow condition in exposed terrain.
Hard slab drifts were found with depths of over 3 feet resting on a thin rime crust over faceted snow with other areas scoured to brush.
Add the "beater" crust from early November sitting on another faceted layer anda...
This does not promote confidence in any stability evaluation.
Weather
Skies were cloudy with occasional partly. Snow showers at times with, little observable accumulation. Cool temperatures. Winds from the west gusting in the 20+ mph range.
Avalanche activity
Partial clearing allowed for some good, although, spotty views.
East facing Kessler
West Willow
Was also able to see the PC ridgeline from South Monitor to 9990.
No natural avalanche activity was observed leaving a feeling of the "surreal".
Evaluation
Heard a rumor of a large destructive full depth avalanche along the southern edge of Park city ridge line, near Brighton, apparently triggered with a cornice drop so, they are out there.
Lower slope angles and patience suggested. A deep, stable snow pack is, hopefully,.on it's way.
Probably best to just crawl under the bed, curl into a fetal ball and quiver for a few days.
(Kidding)
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