Observation: Boiler Bowl

Observation Date
3/16/2016
Observer Name
weed
Region
Logan » Franklin Basin » Steam Mill Canyon » Boiler Bowl
Location Name or Route
Boiler Bowl
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Many periods of very heavy snowfall. Strong W--NW wind on the ridges. A bit milder then Tuesday.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
14"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

DEEP powder conditions! A bit over a foot of new snow since Tuesday, with significant ongoing accumulations and well over 5" of SWE storm total.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
Cornice was more sensitive and less manageable. I broke a few sofa-sized chunks off which triggered a shallow soft wind slab avalanche on the slope below.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Cornice
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Noted some large cornice build up with this blustery and productive storm. These are known for breaking further back than expected and catching people traveling along ridge lines.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

There are some very deep fresh deposits of stiffer drifted snow in exposed terrain. Wind slabs where continuing to form rapidly yesterday, and potential weak layers form with wind shifts or periods of calm(er) between loading sessions. I triggered a small wind slab with a cornice drop, and I'm sure potential for much larger activity exists in higher and more exposed terrain.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable