Observations from Talking Mt.

Around of foot of new snow present on leeward slopes in the Echo Lakes area today. Light to occassional moderate SW winds were moving snow along the ridgetop, but snow transport was not observed below the ridges. In a few areas around Talking Mt. cornices were massive and avoiding them while accessing terrain somewhat challenging. No instabilities observed below treeline. Snow and ice spackled on southwest facing rocks on and near Flagpole peak remained stuck on the rocks up to our departure around 3pm. 

Photo 1: Cracking associated with settlement

Photo 2: A ski kick on a steep slope produced a small failure directly below the ski, but no propagation.

Photo 3: It is tough to safely photograph enormous cornices, but that is what this photo is trying to convey. 

Photo 4: Intermittent snow fall during the early afternoon, including an impressive burst of graupel.

Photo 5: Sastrugi being formed by Moderate west winds on Echo Lake. 

Video: Showing snow transport by wind across Becker Ridge.