Quick report
Snowmobiled up Smiths Fork to Comm Ridge and Poison Creek. Average snow depth of 3 feet around 9000'. Found weak, sugary facets near the ground from November drought. Both snowpits propagated on this layer, meaning it is still reactive. This November drought layer is the main concern, and appears to be trending towards more stubborn during dry, calm weather pattern. Saw widespread surface hoar and faceting on the snow surface. The next storm will likely see heightened avalanche conditions on this interface as well as stressing November drought layers. Stay tuned.
Observed an old D2 (large) avalanche on a SE aspect at 10,000 which accurately depicts the persitent slab problem and consequences if triggered. Snow surfaces remained cool and preserved even with warming temperatures throughout the day.
Rider in parking lot reported large collapse in Snow Bowl (near Poison Creek Shelter)Weather
- Air Temp
- 30
- Cloud Cover
- clear
- Wind Loading
- light
- Snow Avail For Transport
- large amounts
Third day of high pressure. Solar aspects crusting with minor roller balls. Significant and deep inversion with valley temps single digits below zero and Coffin summit 21F last night.
Snowpack
Very weak, sugary facets (2-3mm) were found near the ground. This November drought layer makes up the bottom 12 inches of the snowpack with a firm cohesive slab (4F-1F hard) above it (slab depths 24-29 inches). A recipe for avalanches. Found propagation in two pits both on NE aspects 8600 (ECPT12), 9000 (ECTP16) failing on the weak facets from November. Notable crust 4" below surface with well developed NSF and surface hoar on top. Crust was only observed at 9,000' pit location.
Avalanche
- Size
- D2 R2
- Type
- HS
- Aspect
- SE
- Elevation
- 10000 ft