Observation: Huntington Canyon

Observation Date

12/28/2015

Observer Name

Brett Kobernik

Region

Skyline » Huntington Canyon

Location Name or Route

Sulpher Spring Glade

Weather

Sky

Broken

Wind Direction

North

Wind Speed

Light

Weather Comments

We were down in mid elevations of Huntington Canyon so wind speed and direction may not be very representative of other areas.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Dense Loose

Snow Characteristics Comments

Surface conditions not effected by the recent northwest and northeast wind except right along the ridgeline.

Red Flags

Cracking

Collapsing

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

I would call the collapsing and cracking "localized". The collapsing was not the large type that makes you pucker but rather a minor sound in a small area. We noted some cracks and the poor snowpack structure with the very weak snow near the ground was no doubt what caused the collapse.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Problem #1 Comments

The weak snow near the ground still scares me. I'll let it sit and stabilize more before I get into my favorite upper elevation more northerly facing terrain. Ultimately, I'd like to see another good storm with no avalanches breaking into the old snow before I feel real comfortable about the weak snow near the ground.

Snow Profile

Aspect

Northeast

Elevation

8,800'

Slope Angle

35°

Video

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Considerable

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Considerable

Observation: Huntington Canyon

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