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Observation: Maple Canyon

Observation Date
3/29/2016
Observer Name
Maynard G. Krebs
Region
Southwest » Pahvant Range » Maple Canyon
Location Name or Route
Pahvants - Maple Hollow
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Blustary day! wind was transporting snow down to 7000'.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Damp snow to 7000' powder above that with the exception of wind affected areas. freezing level at about 7000' affected the underlaying snow. Wet, soft snow below and a supportable crust above 7000,

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
wind was drifting snow down to 7000' drifts to 12-18" in places. east facing cornices were very sensitive with cracks shooting up to 25'. Localized cracking in drifts. Hard to isolate freash wind drifts and slabs.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Wind affected snow was sensitive today. Moderate hazard in the area traveled up to about 8000'. I would imagine the hazard could be considerable in higher wind loaded terrain

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

if he sun comes out, wet snow hazard will increase.

Low hazard today but will increase.

Comments

Photos below: Hard to isolate wind slab, cracking drifts and sensitive cornices

I was saddened to get a text from my friend Keith today. When I 1st met Mitch Weber and introduced myself he laughed out loud and told me I was the best thing ever for the hit counter at his web site Telemark Tips. Half the world loved me and the other 80% seemed to hate me, I called it like it was and let all of the famous internet skiers know they were not as great as they thought they were. Mitch was a great guy who should be remembered for ushering in the internet to the ski world, I don't always think that this is a great thing but hats off to you Mitch, you deserve some great recognition.

The least I could do was ski a 1st descent in an obscure mountain range for you brother, may the journey beyond be filled with light and deep powder!

RIP!

Todd

Someone seemed to be following me today:

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