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Observation: Eagle Point

Observation Date
12/17/2016
Observer Name
Toddeo
Region
Southwest » Tushers » Eagle Point
Location Name or Route
Tushers - Eagle Point
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
COLD! A 2 puffy day. Winds were light below treeline but there was transport off of the high peaks in the morning. Also a bit breezy upon my arrival at 8.30 but the wind subsided at this elevation (10,000')
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
19"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

19" seemed to be the consensus between snotel and Eagle Point. The storm came in damp and warm with graupel at the base. Basal snow was high density grading to medium density. Low angle skied well. Thin exposed areas still felt a bit hollow and punchy.

Some wind crusts and drifts in exposed areas.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Heavy snowfall due to the new load. Wind loading in exposed areas. Basal facets are present but not overly alarming. Some slopes may still have the potential to avalanche to the ground. Low to moderate probability but high consequence.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

My #1 concern is wind slabs in wind exposed areas. I mostly stayed out of this type of terrian but wind affect was visible in many places.

Considerable danger mostly at or above tree line.

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

Normal caution for a thin early season snowpack with underlying basal facets.

Moderate danger

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,700'
Slope Angle
30°

Two snow profiles demonstrating variability in the snow HS pack due to wind

HS is 35 for the 1st and 26 for the 2nd.

Both profiles contain 4-5" dry of 4-finger basal facets.

The basal facets are overlain by 12-16" of rounds.

Both profiles are capped by 12-19" of storm snow with graupel at the base. ECTs were variable in this graupel ranging from ECTN to ECTP 12, Q2.

Of note in the 1st profile (HS34) is a subtle rain crust below the graupel. I might have missed this in the other profile. I found it after being told about the rain event and had to look/feel with a bare hand. It is marked by the orange Voile strap.

Overall all hand pits and profiles in this area were consistent with the exception of HS.

Photos below:

1. facets

2. rounds

These profiles were taken within the Eagle Point Boundary but represent backcountry conditions for NW aspects at this elevation. Today was opening day and the slopes were unskied or touched until today.

I did not see any natural avalanche activity from the last storm cycle. I think things got heavily plastered due to the storm coming in warm and wet.

Overall a moderate danger below tree line and considerable in wind exposed ares at or above tree line.

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