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Observation: Big Flat

Observation Date
1/7/2018
Observer Name
Toddeo
Region
Southwest » Tushers » Big Flat
Location Name or Route
Tushers - Big Flat
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Calm day warm in the sun.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

6" above 9,500'. Some graupel. Sunny aspects were damp this afternoon, made for difficult skinning (photo below). Most of it fell on bare ground. Barely enough to travel on graded roads. This area missed the pre-Xmas storm.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The main red flag is not enough snow to ski. I was able to find some areas of underlying facets in shady areas above 10,500'. They are spatially limited to isolated pockets and and not contiguous.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Normal Caution
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Normal caution for a really thin snow pack. I think avalanches are unlikely but an isolated one may be possible in the upper elevations.

Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
10,500'
Slope Angle
15°
Comments

See Photo below, a few inches of facets. I was not able to isolate the new snow above them. Mostly a non issue at this time due to the thin snow pack (HS=8"). 2nd photo is of the facets. 3rd of a pole column.

Photo below: Sticky snow made for hard skinning, in and out of tire tracks.

If anyone wants to get in touch with me about snow/avalanche questions in SW Utah, I can be reached at [email protected]. I would be happy to walk anyone through the observation process. All observations are appreciated.

Mostly no danger with the very limited potential for low hazard. Still possible to drive up high. Elk are also still in the upper elevations.

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