Snowpack

Observation: Ephraim Canyon

Kobernik, KellySkyline
View on map

Quick report

Aspect
North
Elevation
3139 m

Quick snowpit on a north facing slope at 10,500' . The height of snow was 230cm (7.5 feet) We had 2 ECTN (extended column tests) with non-planar results (no propagation) about a foot below the snow surface on some snow that faceted last week during a period of clear cold weather. Shovel tilt results showed 2 clean shears in the top foot of the snow without propagation. These results are not currently a concern in regards to avalanche issues.

Snowpack

Instability Comment
<p>Normal caution was the primary avalanche hazard.</p> <p>We observed a few glide cracks that had opened up on steep terrain with rocky bed surfaces. Photo of Glide Cracks opening up in Pleasant Creek (From field day on February 17, 2023).</p> <p> </p> <p>We also saw glide cracks opening up in Manti Canyon (Middle Fork, Cottonwood Creek), Coal Fork,</p>

No new snow. Westerly basins had softer snow than the easterly basins.  Winds were blowing harder along the ridgetops the further south we traveled. Not a lot of snow transport noted on the ridges.  Noted one wind-drifted snow pocket related to a corniced location on an east facing aspect at 10,200'  in Upper Little Pete's Hole.