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Observation: Maple Bench

Observation Date
3/17/2024
Observer Name
weed, pagnucco
Region
Logan » Little Bear » Maple Bench
Location Name or Route
Wellsvilles, Maple Bench
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
East
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Nice and calm. Probably a a little too warm.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
The dusty snow from March 1 is starting to appear on the snow surface at low elevations as the fresher snow melts. The soggy surface snow made traveling conditions rather slow.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Cornice
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
We noticed large yawning and overhanging cornices along the ridge, threatening the large east-facing slopes and avalanche paths above Maple Bench in the Wellsville Range
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
The saturated snow at lower elevations was soft and punchy in the afternoon.
Comments
The FS Maple Bench Road is covered by at least three feet of slushy snow, and it is impassable with wheeled vehicles above the forest boundary. It is quite muddy and still snow-covered in places below the National Forest. To avoid damaging the road, people should not drive up there until more snow melts off and the mud dries out a bit.
Large overhanging cornices threaten the big east-facing slopes above Maple Bench. We plan to avoid traveling under these in the heat of the day during this week's warmth and powerful sunshine.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates