Quick report
- Aspect
- North
- Red Flags
- Wind Loading, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Elevation
- 2682 m
- Slope Angle
- 25°
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>The primary red flag is the weak snow structure, this is more of a future red flag. North aspects above 7,500 are generally unconsolidated and weak. I had to ski very lightly to avoid hitting buried wood.</p> <p> I also skied a run on a ENE aspect at the 9,000 to 8,600' elevations, this was much more supportable and if I would have realized this earlier, I would have spent more time on this aspect. The support was from a crust located below the storm snow from the last two storms.</p> <p>Minor wind loading on exposed ridges, minor in this area, some minor drifts and pockets of wind slab.</p>
Of note are basal facets which are rounding underlain and overlain by a thin melt-freeze crust. Above the crust the mid pack generally consist of 2-3 finger hardness rounds. ECTP 30+, Q3 in the facets, I had to hit it really hard to get a reaction.
Photos below:
1. Rounding facets
2. ECTP results
Photos below:
1. Still easy to punch all the way through the snow pack
2. Low elevations still not filled in. Although an underlaying crust made travel easy, this included my low elevation exit.
3. Turns, get 'em where you can....
I was expecting more of consolidated mid pack as I saw 2 weeks ago in Copleys Canyon at a similar elevation.
If anyone wants to get in touch with me about snow/avalanche questions in SW Utah, I can be reached at [email protected]. I would be happy to walk anyone through the observation process. All observations are appreciated.
Overall a moderate hazard. Any new snow will change this.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Deciding on the primary avalanche problem at this point is difficult. I did not see too many obvious signs of instability at this time. However I was able to generate an ECTP near the ground (see Below), I don't think there is enough of a cohesive slab to cause a significant avalanche in this area. All drifts were non reactive.</p> <p>The primary hazard is thin cover.</p> <p>Moderate hazard until it snows. </p>
HST 5" from the last storm above 7000'. Medium density sitting on a variety of surfaces. Some exposed areas of crusts on wind exposed aspects.