Quick report
Multiple recent slab (likely over 24hr old) and loose dry avalanches(within the last 24hr). Did not notice instabilities indicating reactive storm slab within the most recent(24hr) snow. Cornices on ridges have become large in places. Tree wells have become deep and hazardous. Travel was slow due to the volume of new snow. We did not observe instabilities within the newer storm snow (24hr). We completed multiple hand shears along our route, but did not cover a large area on our tour. Skinning above the track did not produce cracking.
Weather
- Air Temp
- Not Observed
- Cloud Cover
- overcast
- Wind Loading
- moderate
- Snow Avail For Transport
- moderate amounts
At 1400 hours, 5850' NW aspect. Sky OVC, Ski Pen 20cm, Wind Moderate, Precip S-1, Wind Light gusting to Moderate, Light Snow Transport, Temp not observed.
Snowpack
Around one meter of snow overlies the solstice crust in this area at mid elevations. We did not dig down to measure a precise depth. The most recent storm snow was very light (F) and was situated above only slightly firmer snow below(F+ to 4F-).
Avalanche
Recent Avalanches Observed on W, NW, and N aspects around 5500' to 6500'. Multiple D1 to D2.5 slabs observed were likely from 12/26 or earlier. The largest was the path that makes up the lower portion of Joe's Badass Shoulder. They were already covered with fresh snow and debris fields were mostly concealed. Multiple D1 loose dry slides in the most recent storm snow were also observed on the same aspects, mostly below cliff and rock bands.