Observation Date: 01/24/2016

Route/Location:
SW of Philipsburg

Weather:
Cloudy, light-moderate winds from west/southwest, occasional snow, 2″ accumulation throughout day

Wind:
Moderate winds, mainly from west/southwest. Very large cornices built up on the east aspect of a ridge.

New Snow: 6-12″

Avalanche Activity:
No natural avalanches observed. Very large cornices on east ridge and significant amount of wind loading observed.

Other Comments:
Significant amount of wind transported snow from west to east. Very large cornices built up on east side of a ridge, some 20’+. Avoided all wind loaded and steep terrain.

Scouted area on 1/23 and returned on 1/24. 8-10″ new snow overnight. New snow had already formed a dense slab and had an ECTP 11 result on facets in a pit dug at 8,400′ on a north/northeast aspect. Stopped snow evaluation at this point as this was all we needed to see. Skied terrain <32 degrees and had only minor sluff movement. Stay safe.

Observer: Chris Cote