Observation Date: 01/15/2018

Route/Location:
Standard approach to pt 8400′ East most high point on Gash ridge. One lap in East bowl, one lap on NE line just west of skin track.

Weather:
Slight Inversion, fog from 5,500-6,500. Light SE winds. Mostly Sunny. 25-35 degrees.

Wind:

New Snow: No New Snow

Avalanche Activity:
Saw one small wet sluff debris pile off southern aspect steep rock faces just inside east bowl from skin track. Given the heavy load, I was surprised to only see a couple other debris piles from the top of Gash ridge looking South.

Pit at 8300 ft.
NE aspect
34*
185 cm snowpack
only dug down to 150 cm

ECTN
CT 6 at 6 cm Q2
CT 11 at 30 cm Q2

Shovel shear with a lot of force finally gave a Q3 shear 1 m down

Pit test showed stable snow, but stuck to low angle terrain because of the heavy new load in the last few days.

Other Comments:
Skiing:

Wind and Sun crusts all the way up to 8400.
Terrain sheltered from both the last few days of wind and sun had good-decent packed powder from 6,500 ft and up. Can combat ski from upper gash trailhead to car. Can drive to the trailhead with a lil clearance and 4wd. Gash Cr. Rd was thick ice, but not as slick as you’d expect-I did fine with 4wdH and all season tires on a poorly balanced truck.

Observer: Brian Stampe