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Observation: Snowbasin Backcountry

Observation Date
12/1/2016
Observer Name
kory
Region
Ogden » Snowbasin Backcountry
Location Name or Route
Snowbasin Periphery
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Weather Comments
Very light density snow fell all day. Around 3" is my guess just a little fluff for your thursday.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
There is poor snowpack stucture with no Notable pit results though?!?
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Not really sure where to find it. I think that right now it is unlikely to trigger a persistent slab avalanche and the avalanche might not be to large but the ride would definitely hurt you with the shallow snow pack.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Normal Caution
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments

Jumped on some wind drifts and had nothing today. I think it has had enough time to heal.

Comments

Today I was able to find the persistent weak layer in the Snowbasin Periphery. Obs were taken between 8,200ft and 8,600ft on NNE aspect This weak layer was not as reactive in the couple of spots I looked today. I had great compression test results. CT11 and CT13 SP on the persistent weak layer which in this area was 2-4mm already. This will continue to facet with the cold temps and shallow snowpack. My guess to why we have not seen anything triggered on this persistent slab in Ogden is due to; 1 Lack of triggers, 2 Lack of Slab sitting on that weak layer, 3. Not enough snow weight to trigger natural avalanches. I had no notable ECT results today; ECTNX and ECTN23 first on our mid-pack graupel layer and second on the persistent weak layer. Snowbasin is now open and most people will be accessing backcountry terrain from the Snowbasin lifts so we will have more triggers now.

Please remember that accessing the backcountry terrain from a ski area is a privilege not a right. Be courteous to employees at those resorts. (minor edits by forecaster)

Video

Videos, 1 Facets were a little wet but still reactive just no Propagation.

2. ECT

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