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Observation: Brianhead Backcountry

Observation Date
11/26/2016
Observer Name
Toddeo
Region
Southwest » Brian Head Backcountry
Location Name or Route
Navajo Lake/Webster Flat
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
A somewhat warm day with strong south winds. This evening I would say very strong. Some blowing snow along Highway 14 this afternoon.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Snow in this area was generally faceted and loose, a lot more than I saw yesterday near Brianhead at 10,500'. This area is just over the ridge to the south and a bit lower.(9600' or so). Exposed areas were wind scoured and drifted in places.

HS is generally about 8" and in sheltered areas the snow is faceted with 0.5 to 1 mm crystals fist. Still enough structure to allow nordic skiing at Deer Hollow but close. Also thin coverage in the Webster Flat area, sleds were generally staying on roads and ATVs were still out.

Some surface hoar to 5mm in places.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
I would highlight weak snow and the winds which are nuking right now in the southern part of the state. The snow pack in this area is thin enough that avalanches will be unlikely until the next storm accumulates. This storm snow will be falling on very weak snow which will form a thin, weak basal layer.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Normal Caution
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Still hard to travel, we stayed on the nordic trails on cross-country skis today.

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

If forecasted totals happen, the new snow coupled with wind will be falling on a weak base.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,600'
Slope Angle
0°
Comments

No snow photo or profile, not much to see.....

This area is not to far south of and below Cedar Breaks as well as some of the locations used for the iconic pink cliffs ski photos.

Hard call on the danger, I would say very low today and increasing with new snow.

My 4 days of SW Utah scoping continues.

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