Skied northeast facing aspects sheltered from wind and rocky prominences. 30-45 degrees, beginning at 10,000'. Closed very steep, wind affected, rocky terrain with shallow snow where wind could deposit new snow or faceted powder. New small slabs likely not sensitive due to very small totals from the cell that moved through the area. Moderate-strong, consistent winds, overcast moving in and out with quick pockets of sunshine.
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Advanced Observations
Observed Avalanche Problem #1:
Wind Slab
Comments:
Lower Titus Ridge, Titus Peak, Bromaghin Peak. Cornice features found at the summits and all along the ridges connecting them. Anticipated moderate wind but observed wind speeds moderate to high, moving strongly from north to south to south-east. Overcast, 3-5 cm new snow. HS 270cm + at perceived "wide berth" to cornice edge. Did not observe failures, only wind adding the new snow on top of existing cornice features.
In addition, the new 3-5 cm of new snow was transported quite easily in the strong winds. Pillows of small wind slab were forming over the faceted powder at the surface as well as over snow that had been hardened from the past weeks. Did not see significant slab formation over lee slopes. No observed instabilities.