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Observation: South Willow Creek

Observation Date
2/11/2016
Region
Skyline » Willow Creek Ephriam » South Fork Willow Creek
Location Name or Route
South Willow Creek
Weather
Sky
Clear
Weather Comments
well above inversion, no winds, temps really climbed softening exposed and very low angle snow, roller balls on steep S and West facing slopes as sun moved through the day, we concentrated on due N, and still found creamy recyrstalized snow on very supportable base
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

were able again to push slope angles to mid to high 30's on well known slopes that had fat pack and had not slid this season. did some investigation of more exposed wind affected areas, but again, found deep strong pack and healing wet facets at ground. in very sheltered N facing trees the snowpack is much weaker and punchy, even had a little sandboxing on our uptrack in those areas.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
daytime heating the usual suspect
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments

last reported avalanche in area was east of our tour today, on the other side of the summit ridge, Jolleys Hole, in very steep rocky terrain, repeater, etc. and still avoiding similar terrain.

Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
9,700'
Slope Angle
31°
Video
Video

steep N facing was mildly wind damaged in this area, but excellent recystralized hero snow with firm base, feel hazard on similar slopes to be low, but still considering pack depth, repeater slides, and extreme terrain a high risk, and with options like todays choice, why hang it out there? Next issue with be old snow new snow interface due to surface hoar formation and NSF from this high pressure period

would have posted this last night, but was having problems with internet? or the website?

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates