Observation: Bear River Range

Observation Date
11/15/2020
Observer Name
Thompson
Region
Logan » Bear River Range
Location Name or Route
Bear River Range
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,300'
Comments
Traveled on fairly sheltered E to N facing terrain 7400' to 8800'. Didn't expect to see much during the day, new snow seemed to be primarily graupel and skied pretty well.
I traversed across a north facing sparsly treed 25 degree slope at 8300' and felt a small collapse. I noticed cracks in the new snow graupel layer shooting 10 feet ahead and behind me, only a few inches deep. Upon further inspection I found a burried wind slab which appeared to have collapsed mid-pack on top of older, fist hard snow. Wind slab was probably left from the previous day snow+wind event. This structure seemed isolated to this spot, but certainly could exist elsewhere.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate