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Observation: Pleasant Creek

Observation Date
2/3/2018
Observer Name
Kobernik-Osborne
Region
Skyline » Pleasant Creek
Location Name or Route
Pleasant Creek
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Flat light, windy, warm all describe today's weather conditions.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Surface was damp on all aspects up to about 9500 feet. The wind was moderate to strong in speed but it seems like most of the snow available for wind transport has already been blown away. We did not note much blowing snow today.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
This is only a future concern if by chance we actually add a significant new snow load at some point.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
9,300'
Slope Angle
35°
Comments

I documented a snowpit from a steep road cut that often avalanches over the road. This was almost 100% cold loose facets last week when I was here. This week the surface was damp down about 4". The basal facets are still cold and loose.

The snowpack (or lack thereof) is a complete disaster at this point. It ranges in total depth from 8" to 2 1/2'. This week's wind has wreaked havoc stripping areas down to the dirt and creating stiff "wave like" drifts in other areas. The snow surface was damp below 9500' and is melting away at the lower elevations. Travel is VERY limited.

Photo below: Looking into Seeley Canyon at the extremely shallow snow cover.

It seems like a LOW danger situation out there right now. I suppose there's still a slight chance a person could trigger a small pocket in the upper elevations.

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