November 14

Willow Heights-West Monitor

Elevations, slope angles and aspects

7800-10200', angles over 35°, all aspects.

Snow conditions

New snow amounts were 6" recent at the trailhead, 8-10" at upper elevations.

Snow was of a medium density providing a supportable base.

Boot penetration to the ground, ski penetration was a coupla inches.

Several periods of wind scoured the windward(west facing) and drifted the lee aspects.

wind-effect

Daytime heating and mild temperatures were quickly settling with, some off aspects and south facing crusted by afternoon.

No cracking, no collapsing.

Weather

Partly cloudy skies, mild temperatures. Wind from the west, gusting over 15 mph along the ridges.

Avalanche activity

A recent slide was observed in upper Silver Fork.

wbowl-silver

encompassing a portion of the west bowl and north facing. Zooming on the confusor revealed an older slide to the looker's left(down and out).

Another slide was observed in West Monitor.

wmonitor-slide

Investigation of the crown.

wmonitor-crown

Slide was about 80-100' wide spreading as it ran about 600' vertical, to include the roll over on the left side of the photo.

Cornice kickers sluffed out another small pocket.

Evaluation

Localized instability from wind loading.

Since the wind continued during the day, I'd expect continued instability despite good settlement.

back

journal

© wowasatch.com