Observation: Butler Fork

Skied E facing slopes in Butler Fork, and the E facing on the shoulder of Reynolds face, ski penetration was about boot deep but if you stepped off your skis you would sink in a couple feet. The density inversion was still obvious while breaking trail but not so much while skiing. Still not sold on steep terrain yet, but we did ski one run in avalanche terrain on Reynolds. At the bottom we noted an adjacent some what steeper slope that had avalanched fairly large during the storm, but the starting zone had more of a northerly aspect. I will gain more confidence in the snow pack once the density inventions is less (in your face). The warm temperatures and damp air will surely speed up the settlement process. And consolidate the lower elevations.

photos: the slide on E facing Reynolds that ran during the storm, and a video of wind transport

The new snow has settle out but the density inversion is still obvious. The light density surface powder of yesterday has become more dense and creamy or has a wind skin in more exposed terrain. The surface is damp below 7000ft on all aspects.