Quick report
- Cracking
- specific
Snow did not refreeze at lower elevations (below 5k or so), leading to slushy skinning and skiing conditions down low, but a strong breeze above that kept the upper mountain noticeably more solid. Observed widespread day-old rollerballs on steep south and east aspects, as well as three separate slab avalanches with distinct crowns on the leeward/east facing side of the ridge that the worm flows route follows. The largest of these was visible from chocolate falls and definitely big enough to injure or bury a person. We also observed multiple preexisting cracks (ie not shooting out from under skis while skinning) on the climbing route on east-facing aspects above cornices. On that note, in addition to giving the summit rim cornice a wide berth, anyone taking worm flows should tread carefully and stick close to the rocks on the narrower rib down low as there is a significant underhung cornice that appeared to be quite close to the bootpack. Some nice corn turns up high but mostly mashed potatoes, a beautiful day though.
Avalanche
Multiple wind? slab avalanches on east-facing aspects on the worm flows climbing route and the upper part of monitor ridge, generally located below existing cornices. Most d1, largest d2 with a 1-2ft crown and large debris pile.