Observation: Tibble Fork

Snow conditions were quite elevation dependent. As Staples observed in the Uinta's earlier in the week, the warm temps had their way with the snowpack and unfortunately the Tibble Fork area did not see a refreeze. The old snow was damp in the upper 40-60cm or so below about 8,200ft. Stepping out of the skis resulted in full body penetration. Really quite the ugly snowpack down low in the Provo area. We triggered several 10" avalanches on the banks of the creek bed on unsupported slopes. I suspect the snow was a bit weaker here due to cold air pooling during our Jan/Feb high pressure spell. Unexpected cracking continued under our skis after we crossed the creek and began heading upward. We stopped to dig a pit at 7,800ft on an East aspect and observed wet manky slab over wet manky facets with an ECTP2 failing quite easily. Fingers are crossed this snow will lock up in the coming week's cold snap.

As we ascended, the snow dried out nicely above 8,200ft and it felt a bit more like winter. General HS of 150cm and we observed the expected dry slab over dry facets. We dug another East facing snowpit at 8,800 ft and with more touchy result with an ECTP14 on the Dec/Jan drought layer about 45cm down.

Photo 1: Small human triggered avalanches about 20cm deep around creek bed features in old cold sinks.

Photo 2: Snow pit Profile on East Aspect on Box Elder at 8,798ft.

Video 1: 7,800ft E Facing Wet snowpack

Video 2: 8,700ft E Facing Dry snowpack