February 12
Willow Heights, West Monitor, Wills Hill
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
7800-10200', angles over 35°, all aspects,
Snow conditions
2" of new snow at the trailhead with an additional 6" or so by afternoon.
New was medium density providing a good refresher.
There was at least one density change within the new snow which produced some cracking, shallow slides from ski cutting.
The old surface was lighter density so several natural sluffs were also observed.
Weather
Snow, heavy at times with fog and low clouds. Winds were below 15 mph from the northwest.
Evaluation
Instability was from sluffs and shallow new snow slabs.
While not packing much punch, they were running a good distance on a dense old snow base under the recent snow.
Density changes are likely to settle quickly with improved bonding.
Future instability would be lingering drifts, old-new interface, increased wind or warming.
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