Observation Date
1/10/2016
Observer Name
Brackelsberg
Region
Provo » Box Elder
Location Name or Route
Box Elder Peak
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Sunny day up high. There was a mid elevation cloud layer that was causing a decent greenhousing effect in the mid elevations.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
We had a variety of snow conditions.
We had significant surface hoar formations
Mid elevations had a suncrust. Based on the greenhousing happening today, I assume this was from a similar greenhouse effect from Saturday
The high ridges had a week wind slab that was very prone to cracking and breaking. This wind slab was only about 1" in depth.
We had a significant collapse on a NW aspect. This was a significant whoomph with a noticeable drop in the snowpack.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We saw a lot of variety today as noted in the snow conditions. In addition, there was a small point release off of some trees that did entrain more snow (see photo).
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Up high, a wind slab would be my primary concern. If the winds pick up, this will most likely increase in danger.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
There was a lot of evidence of past slides that appeared to be both during the Christmas cycle and also after the SE wind event.
Comments
Photo 1 is the large surface hoar we found during our climb of the SW ridge. The photo was of surface hoar on a branch, but the snow surface had the same surface hoar.
Photo 2 is the small point release slide the entrained additional snow on the SW aspect.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
