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Observation: Beaver Envy

Observation Date
12/13/2023
Observer Name
Matt Barry
Region
Logan » Beaver Creek » Amazon Face » Beaver Envy
Location Name or Route
Beaver's Envy
Weather
Sky
Clear
Weather Comments
Felt like spring skiing today. I was in a sun hoodie and couldn't help but sweat.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Characteristics Comments
I skied one run closer to the state line and one run on the southern ridge. In sheltered terrain, the snow quality was better than I was expecting and it has remained soft. In exposed, south facing terrain, it felt like mashed potatoes. The two runs certainly had different snow characteristics but were both enjoyable to ski.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
9,000'
Slope Angle
29°
I dug one pit in sheltered, East facing terrain (first snow profile) and a second one in exposed, South facing terrain (second snow profile).
I found the PWL on the East facing slope to be reactive to a compression test. In my Extended Column Test, I got no propagation on this failure.
In South facing terrain, I found two very distinct and stout crusts. The bottom of the snowpack was saturated with water, it was very warm up there today. I didn't have time to conduct any tests.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate