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Observation: Beginner Bowl

Observation Date
12/15/2020
Observer Name
Greg Davis
Region
Logan » Logan River » Tony Grove » Beginner Bowl
Location Name or Route
Beginner Bowl South
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Winds were light with moderate gusts. Predominately from the Northwest with some isolated gusts from other directions.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Light and fluffy low-density snow on the surface with a supportable crust ≈10cm below.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Wind transport was observed at the ridgeline though no evidence of significant wind slab formation was found. Loading on top of the faceted layer ≈30cm down is of greatest concern. Another party in the same area reported triggering a small slide on steeper terrain but I was unable to visually verify when I went to what I thought was the location they described.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Wind transport an loading is taking place on ridgelines at upper elevations.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
There is a ≈20cm thick layer of faceted snow in the middle of the snowpack (30cm down) sandwiched between a crust above and below. CT and ECT tests did not produce any sudden collapse or propagation.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
8,800'
Slope Angle
24°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate