Observation Date
1/27/2013
Observer Name
Toby Weed
Region
Logan
Location Name or Route
Amazon Peak, Lower Meadow
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Mild temperatures, with westerly wind and periods of heavy snowfall
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Heavy snow on surface capping very weak faceted snow to the ground... Top foot or so felt very heavy, cohesive, and slabby.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Very poor snowpack structure. ECTP 2 Q1.5, CTE2, failing on nsf/SH layer 20 cms deep, under heavy fresh snow slab, repeated tests with same results several times.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments
Dangerous widespread persistent slab conditions likely to develop at least at mid elevations with further loading....
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments
Northwesterly winds and plenty of drifting will create wind slab issues in exposed terrain and continue to build slabs on persistent weak layers contributing to problem #1.
Comments
The shallow snow at mid elevations is very weak, and a forming slab layer now exists. Additional loading from heavy snow will create dangerous avalanche conditions that may last for a while.
