Observation Date
11/24/2016
Observer Name
Toddeo
Region
Southwest » Pahvant Range » Chalk Creek
Location Name or Route
Pahvants - Chalk Creek
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Wind was moving snow around today. I only made it to 8,000' feet or so but the high peaks looked wind affected. Snow was blowing this morning down to 7,500' or so.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
3-4 inches of new snow above 7,500'. Bob's Hollow snotel is reporting 5" at 9,300'. Sunny southerly aspects were getting damp by early afternoon. New snow is bonded well (that is where there is underlaying snow....).
Some surface hoar in places (see photo below).
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Wind loading at the higher elevations is my concern today. Enough wind that I would be concerned about wind slabs when venturing to the upper elevations. The cover is still thin which may exacerbate any consequences if caught.
I think that is time to start saying moderate hazard in the SW.
Wind seemed to have an easterly component which always worries me.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
I would say based on the wind this morning a moderate hazard is warranted in the upper elevation wind loaded areas.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Normal Caution
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Very thin snow pack, I am still trying to travel on roads.
Comments
Photo below:
Surface hoar and metamorphosed Dendrites. 7,500' elevation on the Chalk Creek Road.
Photo Below:
Thanksgiving would not be complete without Pilgrims......The California type. This is there high point.
Photo below:
Happy Thanksgiving, not enough time to upload 27 8*10 color glossy photographs....
I think there is enough snow in place coupled with last night and this morning's wind to assign a hazard of moderate to upper elevation wind loaded areas.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
