Toured up to Lake Helen in Avalanche Gulch. The morning was cold with temperatures in the low to mid twenties. The new snow from yesterday dried out overnight under clear skies, and a thin layer of surface hoar developed below treeline. Above treeline the snow surface is wind-affected and variable. On average there was 2-5" of new snow from yesterday, with pockets of deeper wind-drifted snow, and areas scoured down to crust. No signs of recent avalanches were observed. There were no signs of instability observed within the new snow. Wind slabs were unreactive to ski pressure. Solar input was notable and temperatures warmed into the low thirties. The snow surface was becoming sticky near and below treeline around 12:00 PM. There is a widespread 2-3" thick rain/melt freeze crust under the new snow. 

• Observation Location: Avalanche Gulch
• Elevation: ~8500'
• Date: 20220108
• Time: 1100
• Observer: Lazzeri
• Sky Conditions: CLR
• Current Precipitation: NO
• Air Temperature: 30 °F
• Total Snow Depth (HS): Not measured
• 24-hour New Snow Depth (HN24): 2-4 in
• 24-hour New Snow Water Equivalent (HN24W): Not measured
• Wind Direction: SE
• Wind Speed: Light