Observation Date
12/17/2012
Observer Name
Toby Weed
Region
Logan
Location Name or Route
Beaver Face
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
"full-on" winter storm, very heavy snowfall
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
10"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow was inverted or a bit heavier on top, and you would sink deeply into yesterday's lighter powder. Slow motion turning conditions only possible on fairly steep slopes. Difficult trail breaking because deep snow was inverted...
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
Significant cracking in the fresh snow. ECTP's on isolation up to around 10 inches deep, SS of heavier snow failing easily on density change and the overnight storm interface in tests. Steep cut banks at around 7000' cracking and failing with ski cuts.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
We noted rather unstable heavier new snow, that isn't bonding very well to the colder snow from yesterday. A type of instability that is usually pretty short-lived, but good sized natural storm snow avalanches are very possible in the Logan Zone tonight.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Can only imagine whats going on at upper elevations. Extensive and widespread loading on lee slopes and wind slab formation in exposed terrain, i'd venture to guess.. The rapid addition of weight today could cause buried persistent weak layers to become active and deep slab avalanches are becoming more possible as well.
Comments
DUMPING at Beaver Mountain this afternoon... Gone for an hour and 4 inches accumulated on the windshield. Easy two feet of fresh snow up on the hill. Looks real good for opening day coming Thursday, December 20.
