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Observation: Steep Hollow Timber Sale

Observation Date
3/15/2024
Observer Name
Weed, Lambert
Region
Logan » Franklin Basin » Steep Hollow » Steep Hollow Timber Sale
Location Name or Route
Steep Hollow, Top Of Hells Kitchen--Steam Mill 3
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
East
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Fairweather and unexpectedly calm conditions
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Open exposed areas were fairly inconsistent due to recent winds from the east, which scoured the powder off of bowls that usually offer nice powder. The powder was still pretty good up high in the trees and sheltered shady terrain
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
We found recently formed drifts and potential slabs to be well pasted into the terrain and unreactive to our weight. There was no cracking or other obvious signs of instability. The fresh snow from Wednesday/Thursday appeared to be well bonded to last week's snow surface.
Comments
With great views of numerous slopes steeper than 30° and prone to avalanches, we did not any signs of unstable snow or any recent avalanche activity in the Steep Hollow Area. We found decent shallow powder riding in sheltered, shady terrain and in the forest, but you could feel and see underlying tracks from last week and before that in many places.
The exposed upper-elevation terrain was pretty wind-jacked and inconsistent.
The danger was LOW where we traveled today, but strong east winds formed drifts and hard wind slabs in unusual or unexpected places, and people could probably trigger hard slab avalanches in some very steep upper-elevation terrain.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates