UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Observation: Ogden

Observation Date
2/8/2018
Observer Name
Pagnucco, Hardesty
Region
Ogden
Location Name or Route
Snowbasin backcountry
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Rain-Rime Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Snow surface is highly variable - wind buff, rain crust, soft snow, etc. Turning conditions were somewhat inconsistent and a bit challenging as supportability varied as well.

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

There is definitely poor snowpack structure but that doesn't necessarily mean there's instability. Though we did have CT results, we did not have any propagation in our ECT. The warm weather has toned down the temperature gradient though there is still enough bw 30cm-50cm to drive the faceting process. That is exactly where we found the weakest snow. There is really just not enough snow right now and really no slab. If we were by some odd chance to get a few inches or more of water in one storm, then we'd start seeing avalanches likely failing in the weak facets midpack.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
8,800'
Slope Angle
36°
Comments

just not much going on while we wait for some kind of rapid change to the snowpack. Loss of snow height in same location over the course of last three weeks is highly noticeable. (115 cm down to 75 cm).

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