Observation: Bunch Grass 1/21/2012

Observer Name:

Brodhead/Cook/Loosey

Region:

Logan
Logan River
Bunch Grass

Observation Date:

01/21/2012

Location or Route:

Ridge line to the west of Bunchgrass Creek

Weather

Sky:

Obscured

Precipitation:

Heavy Snowfall

Weather Comments:

Wet. Felt like I was back skiing in the Midwest.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions:

Dense Loose

Damp

Snow Characteristic Comments:

Damp. Wet.

Red Flags

Heavy Snowfall

Cracking

Collapsing

Red Flag Comments:

We triggered a number of hair-raising collapses throughout the day. While standing on a 23 degree slope, we felt the snow drop a few inches... absolutely incredible.

Primary Concern

Primary Concern:

Persistent Slabs

Probability:

Extreme

Aspect:

Northeast

Slope Angle:

snow_profile_location:

United States

41° 53' 48.93" N, 111° 35' 9.87" W

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 1)

Extended Column Test... ECTPQ1. A few times, columns failed upon isolation.

Video 1:

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 2)

Our test results suggest that the columns are breaking between the top of the old, faceted Oct/Nov snow. We observed a thick crust above the faceted layer that seemed to further "lubricate" the snowpack.

Video 2:

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 3)

The video describes the snow much better than I can draw a diagram. It's been a while since I've been out and it's incredible how much things have changed. We're certainly in for some interesting conditions.

Video 3:

Observed Danger Rating:

Extreme

Forecast Danger Rating:

Extreme

Snow Profile Location

Javascript is required to view this map.