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Observation: Chalk Creek

Observation Date
1/2/2017
Observer Name
Toddeo
Region
Southwest » Pahvant Range » Chalk Creek
Location Name or Route
Pahvants - Chalk Creek
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Storm did not make it this far south. Trace of new snow, pellets and graupel. Wind was transporting snow down to 6,400 at the top of the lower Chalk Creek road, some drifting. The upper elevations looked like they may have undergone a rime event like I saw down south yesterday.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Still possible to find areas of dense settled and faceted snow on sheltered northerly aspects outside of tree drip lines. Inside of tree drip lines, surface is crusted.

Most solar aspects are crusted and did not soften today. The exit out the Chalk Creek road was fast and rough with lots of chatter.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Based on the winds I observed up to my high point of 7,500, I would expect newly formed wind slabs. Likely could increase the danger to moderate in wind loaded areas. Poor snowpack structure is more of a red flag to come if the weather forecast pans out this week.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Wind slabs in upper elevation wind loaded areas. I would speculate a moderate hazard is possible but would be pockety in extent.

Comments

No snow profile today, recon into the high country aborted due to frozen crusts in the woods.

I was surprised that some north aspects are holding up down to the mid-elevations.

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