Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Wind Loading, Cracking, Collapsing, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Noted one avalanche off of the east facing chutes of Raymond, perhaps a small wind slab from the incessant westerlies. Wind was drifting snow onto leeward slopes of Montiors as well. Hand pits and ski pole penetrometer continues to reveal poor structure. Our group of three noted several collapses and some small cracks on WNW Will's Hill near a stand of aspens. On exit through Willow Fork, we found 4mm Surface Hoar feathers growing in a sheltered meadow at 8800ft.</p>
Photos Below: 1. Wind saltation on Will's Hill 2. West Monitor Bowl with wind effect and wildlife tracks on slope 3. Bushwacking up the South face of Main Willow 4. Surface Hoar Feathers
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>As noted by the collapsing and poor structure, this is still present in our minds. Avoided any slopes of consequence and stuck to broad low angle terrain and ridgelines. Expect wind slabs to be forming in the higher terrain, but our group did not observe any during the tour.</p>
South had a thin melt freeze crust from yesterday. The remaining aspects sported faceted surfaces with some wind texture. Skiing on the west and north was quite enjoyable where there was good coverage.