I thought I'd add a few observations from Mt. Field today, as well Mt. Patterson from a few days ago (Sat.).
Of note today was the soft slab that was very easy to trigger in the alpine. There were numerous (5) small (size 1) skier controlled or skier accidentals from what appeared to be the week-end pounding. After reading the Park's bulletin, I'd guess (wasn't able to find the specific sliding surface) the sliding layer is the Jan 25 SH. The slabs today were about 20 cm thick, North to NE aspect and at 2400m. During the one Ski cut I made today, the slab was very, very easy to get going. Something to watch in the future, or very near future as winds were picking up slightly at ridge top today. In general the alpine snowpack was very loose feeling (ski pen up to 50cm of facets in places). Not good for when it does snow.
On maybe an outdated note, our attempt at Mt. Patterson was a reasonably good trip on Sat. The gravel flats were well covered. The canyon was passable, although there were brief moments of walking on the ground, despite there being 80cm of snow. Good thing there were trees to use as handholds. The glacier looked well covered and the skiing was quite pleasant. Overall a pretty good trip I thought. At the time no avalanche activity was noted.
Hope that helps with choices.
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Matt Mueller
Matt Mueller
AAG
CAA Level 2