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Observation: Dog Leg

Observation Date
12/12/2013
Observer Name
Weed
Region
Logan » Providence Canyon » Dog Leg
Location Name or Route
Dog Leg Trees, Lower Dog Leg
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Cold in canyon bottom. Warmer and almost balmy as we gained elevation.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments

Shallow re-crystallized "powder" on the surface. Loose faceted snow below and throughout shallow snowpack (~2' deep and shallower)

Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
No obvious signs of instability. Snow is very shallow and weak, lacking a substantive slab currently.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

I triggered a small facet sluff on the Lower drop of the Dog Leg about a foot deep, which took out a few of my tracks, running 100' vrt. or so.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

No sign of a significant slab at mid-elevations and we ran out of time before we could get to the top of the ridge. In some areas, old wind slabs from last weekend's feeble storm formed on the weak facets. The shallow wind slabs I've seen in the past couple days lack energy, (ample sublimation evident from the recent cold clear nights).. But, I bet you could trigger an avalanche in steep drifted rocky terrain if you were trying to.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate