Observation Date
1/12/2013
Observer Name
Eric Flygare
Region
Logan
Location Name or Route
West Valley
Comments
I made it out for an early morning tour on the west side of the valley. I noticed a ton of frost on branches and weeds sticking up above the snow. The surface of the snow had a small amount of surface hoar but the breeze kept it to a minimum.
The snow surface was varied from good powder to stiff wind slabs. I got a couple collapses when traversing across drifted snow and some minor cracking in the skin track. Overall the snow was only about 16 inches deep with 5 inches of fresh powder from yesterday’s storm. The crust underneath was breakable. The rest of the snowpack was faceted snow down to the ground.
The riding was better than expected for having a mere 5 inches of snow. The breakable crust under the 5 inches made for some interesting riding in places. Overall it was a nice chilly morning to get out.
