December 4
Willow Heights, Dutches Draw, Beartrap, West Desolation, Spruces.
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
7500-10200' angles over 35°, all aspects.
Snow conditions
There was an inch or two of light density snow over a mostly crusted(wind-sun) base.
Some of the crusts are quite slick, especially when coupled with recrystallized snow immediately above the crust.
Wind from a variety of directions has increased variability.
Most recent wind, from the east, scoured snow cover in unusual areas.
Drifting was mostly along the ridges with upper elevation north-northeast facing scoured to early season snow capped with crust.
Down off the ridge, recrystallized with a light density surface provided good, somewhat variable skiing.
Of interest,
I found surface hoar growing downward off tree branchs in areas undisturbed by wind.
Weather
Overcast to foggy skies, snow flurries throughout the day. Winds were light, temperatures moderate.
Snow pit
Down off the ridge, out of the wind zone.
Evaluation
Weak but stable snow.
Potential for taking a slider on hard crust exists near ridges and on the sunny side.
Future stability dependent on wind, warming and or significant snowfall.
© wowasatch.com