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Observation: Albion Basin

Observation Date
11/20/2020
Observer Name
Hardesty
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Albion Basin
Location Name or Route
Alta - Supreme
Weather
Sky
Few
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Mixed bag out there. Lots of wind, sun, mf crusts.
The early week heat wave left a thermal crust on all aspects. This includes north facing terrain up to perhaps 9500'; perhaps higher?
Cold and clear has promoted some weakening/faceting of the snow surface and in the snow just beneath said thermal crust.
Some wind damage starting to "soften" due to faceting process.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
None. Normal caution.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
9,000'
Slope Angle
20°
Comments
The profile shows an 8mm thermal crust from the 16th/17th...
This crust thins with a gain in elevation to roughly 9500'. The faceting process is just beginning now on the snow surfaces and just beneath the thin crust at the higher bands where it exists. Facets not noted in profile at and below 9000'.
Poor photo of small facets along the snow surface.
Low danger.
Biggest hazard is hitting rocks or other obstacles.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates