Moderate W winds were persistent (at times gusting strong) throughout my morning tour. It wasn't until I got above 7500 ft that was enough snow available for transport. At this elevation is about when I started noticing moderate drifting from W winds. Overcast skies and moderate winds prevented lower/middle elevations from softening much.
Firm, supportable crust (at times slick) extends to 7500 ft. Very little avalanche hazards exists at these elevations due to this. It would take some very warm temperatures, rain, or sun for this stout crust to break down.
Above 7500 chalky, colder snow exists and observed moderate drifting. Existing (1F-P hard) wind slabs on leeward slopes acted stubborn on test slopes and appeared fairly shallow.
Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
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Wind Slab |
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Comments: Moderate/strong W winds drifted snow into firmer pockets (1F-P) of wind drifted snow. These pockets were generally shallow (4-6 in) in the locations I traveled. Likely larger in depth in bigger terrain features. |