Snow Profile: UFO Bowls 1/6/2010

Submitted/Updated:
Thu 1/07/2010 - 10:40 am
Submitted by:
Nalli

Elevation: 
10200'
Aspect: 
North
Slope Angle: 
35
Comments: 

Went up to the UFO Bowls today to check things out. While it felt like it was storming, not much new snow accumulated in the southern part of the range. We observed a new rime crust that formed on all aspects from 8500' to at least 10,200'. Winds were 15-25mph out of the WNW and were beginning to form a shallow slab on the N-E aspects, but it was not quite thick enough to be reactive to slope cuts or cornice drops. Most of the UFO Bowls avalanched on Dec. 13 and now all the steep pitches are left with mostly shallow and weak faceted snow. HS is on average 75cm with the exceptions being the lower angle terrain on the periphery that has not avalanched and is up to 130cm of much stronger, sintered crystals.

Snow Profile Image: 
2010-01-06 UFO Bowl 2 pit.jpg

This is the rime crust at 10,200'.  It is distributed fairly evenly in this area and is approx. 5mm thick. It is however, quite frag

2010-01-06 UFO Rime.jpg

Some of the basal facets that I found in pits where the slope had avalanched are as large as I've seen yet this year. 5mm-7mm cup shaped clusters that make my knees knock just looking at them. They are so large, they have a bit of strength to them. Some places were 1F+ hardness.

The hazard in these parts is Moderate, but we are tracking a few potential trouble layers that are making my mind think of the devestation that will take place when it finally decides to storm for real.

2010-01-06 UFO Facets.jpg

Location

40° 24' 49.9968" N, 111° 37' 47.7624" W
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