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Observation: Powder Mountain

Observation Date
1/10/2024
Observer Name
Gagne/Hardesty/Wewer
Region
Ogden » Powder Mountain
Location Name or Route
Powder Mountain
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Poor visibility with sustained winds from the southwest and periods of heavy snowfall.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Dense snow with drifting and fresh cornices along exposed ridges.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Other than rapid warming, all the red flags are present.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The December Drought Layer (DDL) PWL is buried 30-60 cms deeply and in thinner snowpack areas, we got collapsing on this layer. Two extended column tests on a southwest and west aspect got full propagation (ECTP12 and ECTP14) with a 4F slab on top of the PWL(Video and photo below.) We also got a fracture and propagation on isolation (PSTPV) when performing a propagation saw test.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Comments
We traveled into seldom-traveled terrain to get a good look at the snowpack.
As always, many thanks to the hospitality of the Powder Mountain ski patrol.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High
Coordinates