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Observation: Cascade Ridge line

Observation Date
1/28/2018
Observer Name
Tyler Falk
Region
Provo » Provo Canyon » Cascade Ridge line
Location Name or Route
Big Springs
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Clear skys and 28 degrees at 930am at the Big Spring trailhead. (5700') Not any wind to speak of on 10k ridgelines and below.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Rain-Rime Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

A variety of snow surfaces out there from egg shell thin to almost supportable crusts on a variety of aspects. Rime crust up to at least 9800. Wet snow at 9k and below on east through south aspects. The best skiing was on due north sheltered aspects above 9k. Height of snow on NE aspects was around 140cm at 9200’.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Still poor structure in many places. High shady aspects are still guilty in my book around this area. No propagation in ECT's but upon prying with moderate pressure after the test a clean shear was produced 42cm down on 1-2mm squares. Just need to find the slab and weak spot.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

Some stubborn wind drifts in cross laded terrain above 95000' with minor cracking noticed. Possibility of a wind slab stepping down into a deeper weak layer in locations.

Comments
  • Pic 1 Wind sculpted snow
  • Pic 2 & 3 Loose dry point release
  • Pic 4 Provo Peak coverage
  • Pic 5 & 6 Variety of crusts
  • Pic 7 Snow creep in the park.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate