I hope this finds Everyone keeping well and enjoying the sunshine. I think many of us have been casting an eye to the high places during this warm-weather cycle in anticipation of big things beginning to move naturally on old winter layering. The NW Couloir of Wedge Mountain is a piece of terrain that is quite visible from parts of the highway and is easy to monitor. It appears that the bulk of the couloir has released within the last couple of days and likely as a result of the warm alpine temperatures, perhaps some solar influence, and/or initiated from some falling cornice debris. Appears to be a size 3 wet slab and my guess is that the failure plane was the November 2012 facets/crust sandwich. The couloir is a steep, lee alpine feature that descends from the west ridge of Wedge Mountain at approx. 8700' (2652m) to about 7400' (2256m) where the slope angle eases into a broad bowl. Consider your exposure to big alpine features, that have not yet released, while en route to your climbing objectives. Warm temperatures, deep persistent and unreliable layering in the snowpack, and potential cornice triggers are considerations as the hills transition into summer condition. Safe travels, Everyone, and enjoy the sand and surf...... Best regards, Dale Marcoux ACMG Ski Guide
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