Observation: Swan Flats, Garden City Canyon Approach 1/22/2012

Observer Name: 
Robin Jones
Region: 
Swan Flats, Garden City Canyon Approach
Amazon Basin
Logan
Observation Date: 
01/22/2012
Location or Route: 
Garden City approach around 7800 ft, westerly aspect, 25-30 degrees
Weather
Sky: 
Scattered
Wind Direction: 
West
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Weather Comments: 

Warm temps with cold, transportable winds

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth: 
2"
New Snow Density: 
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions: 
Powder
Snow Characteristic Comments: 

The top few inches were really low density, with 3 layers below progressing from fist to 4F-, to 4F, and finally to 1F. There was a slight skiff of a wind crust between the 1F and 4F layers. The weakest point in the pack was the interface between the old and new snow, though sheer quality was moderate. The old snow showed signs of having been saturated by rain. It was mostly re-frozen and somewhat solid, though still had small pockets (fist size) of faceted snow.

Red Flags

Cracking
Collapsing
Red Flag Comments: 

Large collapses and widespread cracking. Cracks travled several hundred feet and appeared to penetrate to the old snow/new snow interface.

Primary Concern

Primary Concern: 
Deep Slabs
Probability: 
High
Aspect: 
West
Elevation: 
Mid
Trend: 
Same
snow_profile_location: 
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Observed Danger Rating: 
High
Forecast Danger Rating: 
High

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