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Observation: Steam Mill Peak Area

Observation Date
1/27/2013
Observer Name
Brodhead and Cook
Region
Logan
Location Name or Route
Steam Mill Peak
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Light snowfall in Franklin Basin. The snow really started falling at about 8,000 feet, and when we got to the ridge line of Steam Mill Peak, it was really coming down.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow was creamy and fast between 8,000-9,200 feet. Below 8,000 feet, it was slow, dense, and just plain ugly.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Our biggest concern was the heavy snowfall and wind loading on top of the already weak snow. Not to mention, we observed wide-spread collapsing above 8,000 feet. We also noted some localized cracking.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
It was still dumping/blowing when we descended around 2pm, so I imagine the threat of wind slabs will continue to rise.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
As with the wind slabs, continued loading will cause problems with the rime/facet interface (CTs failed at 10 taps or below at this layer).