Join us at our 2nd Annual Blizzard Ball

Observation: Cascade Ridge

Observation Date
2/6/2022
Observer Name
Paradis / Brackelsberg
Region
Provo » Cascade Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cascade Ridge
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Very nice day out. Not too hot, not too cold, not much wind
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
1"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
We encountered almost every type of snow except powder. Most of the snow surface was a combination of windboard over facets or older wind blown snow over facets. South aspects could have softened although we were on those aspects early in the day and didn't observe that first hand.
The old wind blown snow over facets doesn't really come across on the snow profile below. This made skinning and skiing pretty tricky and variable. Often you'd find pretty different snow surfaces over a very short distance.
This area experienced strong winds earlier in the week which also formed sastrugi (see photo below).
In some places, we found quite large facets (~1cm) growing below the windboard. It almost looked like stalactites.
All of this is pretty concerning for the next time it (hopefully) snows.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Much of this area avalanched during all the snow early January. This has left a relatively thin snow pack that is a mix of old crusts and facets. You could see large debris piles and crowns on most alpine aspects.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Normal Caution
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Not exactly slide for life conditions per se but the variability in the snow required some caution both descending and ascending.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,800'
Comments
Old crowns in the back, sastrugi in the front.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low