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Observation: White Pine Gulch

Observation Date
1/13/2018
Observer Name
J.Spitzer
Location Name or Route
Pink Pine, White Pine Canyon, Spire
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Nice day in the Wasatch with just few clouds linging around the high peaks during the day.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Snow surface varied greatly depending on aspect and elevation. NE shot on Pink Pine had surface hoard in the am above 8,800 in the open terrain. Upper White Pine Canyon was a combination of wind crust and medium dense powder.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Saw several D1 to D2 avalanches that ran during the storm. See topo map of avalanches in upper white pine canyon. Many of them where on small but ran far with deep crowns to the ground. Large D3/R4 avalanche that came off the Dog Dish zone. Crown looked to be starting just below the ridgeline and rapped around to Rainbow Mtn. See photo. Saw fresh skier triggered (unknown skier) avalanche off upper pink pine ridge (NE) in steep (>35) gladed terrain. Snowpack obs from near spire NE aspect 120cm depth. ECT no result but PST 30/120 (x2) failure layer was basal facets
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable