Obs-Snow Profile: Skyline: Between Huntington Res and Big Drift 11/30/2011

Observer Name:

Sean Busby and Mollie Busby

Observation Date:

11/30/2011

Region:

Skyline

Location or Route:

Skyline: Between Huntington Res and Big Drift

Weather

Sky:

Overcast

Wind Direction:

Northeast

Wind Speed:

Moderate

Weather Comments:

Sunny to very overcast skies and then heavy dark clouds in the later afternoon. Coming storm came in quickly. Snow began to spit around the later afternoon with an obvious drop in temperature. Wind speeds began to increase and become more constant.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions:

Faceted Loose

Wind Crust

Melt-Freeze Crust

Snow Characteristic Comments:

From the limited amount of snow to choose from - sheltered east facing aspects in the area contained the only ideal snow depth to choose from, due to wind deposits. Signs of more future loading near and below ridge top areas with the coming storm's winds. Annoying wind crust and some melt freeze crust in areas on skin approach. Had fun skiing for the most part until out of sheltered areas where we encountered some variable snow and hidden timber. Snow on surface was loose and sugary.

Red Flags

Wind Loading

Red Flag Comments:

The plan was to stay on lower angle terrain and of course avoid slopes that ran into terrain traps - especially where winds were moving snow. North/eastern aspects contained better coverage then many of the other areas we searched in the area. Snowpack really scoured for the most part. Still lack confidence in the snowpack.

Primary Concern

Primary Concern Comments:

Expecting danger to increase with heavy winds and coming new snow - especially on weak upper layer. Area under winter storm warning with forecast of up to 18 + inches. Winds of up to 50+ mph forecasted. Will be interesting.

Secondary Concern

Secondary Concern:

None

Elevation:

9600'

Aspect:

Northeast

Slope Angle:

snow_profile_location:

United States

39° 36' 58.6836" N, 111° 17' 9.7944" W

Observed Danger Rating:

Moderate

Forecast Danger Rating:

High

Snow Profile Location

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