Observation Date: 12/22/2014

Route/Location:
We skinned up the trail, up to Kidney Lake, up the low angle treed ramp and up onto the NE ridge of Camas Peak. Much care was taken in mitigating exposure to steeper slopes above our skin track. We had the constant reminder from many settlements in the snowpack. We skied a couple of laps down the ramp toward Kidney Lake.

Weather:
Felt like mid 20s up high. Intermittent snow/clouds/sun/wind.

Wind:
Windy above approx. 7000′ and quite windy up on the ridge. Lots of snow being transported.

New Snow: 12+”

Avalanche Activity:
New snow sluffing off steep rocks. Heard lots of whumphing below Kidney Lake.

Other Comments:
Dug a pit at 8280′ on the SE face of Camas Peak (just below the ridge) on a 28 degree slope. (LOTS of wind loading in this spot.)
240cm total snowpack
CT11 Q2 @ 220cm – new snow interface (see photo, where I placed the saw guard)
CT12 Q1 @ 120cm – pre-storm layer of concern, now very reactive.

Observer: Joshua Phillips