Powder turns and avalanches in the Middle Fork

We found a surprising amount of dry snow and a variety of recent avalanche activity.

• A solid refreeze overnight left a supportable surface at all elevations. We first noticed recent snow at 4500', several inches at 5000', and 4-6" above 6000'. Winds had redistributed the snow leaving areas of hard scoured surface and locations with drifts 8-10". Cracking underfoot was noted but no shooting cracks or signs of instability observed.
• A D2 persistent slab avalanche was noted on a NE aspect of Mt Penrose at 7400'. It appears this slide is 2-3 days old and may have been triggered by a cornice fall.
• Today's sun warmed the recent snow resulting in a baker's dozen D 1.5 wet loose slides between 5000' - 7000' on northerly aspects. On steep southerly slopes open to the sun, I initiated numerous rollerballs below 5000' on my exit.