Observation Date: 01/26/2014

Route/Location:
Dry Lakes Basin and a little couloir on Greywolf in the Southern Missions.

Weather:
Socked in above 8700′, light snow, moderate ridgetop winds.

Wind:
Gusts in the 20mph range, but no transport occurring. Cornices are extant, but smaller than usual for this time of year.

New Snow: 0-3″

Avalanche Activity:
Snow generally seemed strong, if not a little bit shallow in wind exposed areas. We saw one large (R4,D3) crown on a steep and cliffy east face at 7000′ or so, most likely thermally triggered by nearby exposed rock. Of concern is the significant development of near surface facets on sunny aspects. Development seemed patchy but widespread.

Other Comments:

Observer: Douglas Brinkerhoff