Observation: UFO Bowls

Observation Date

11/22/2024

Observer Name

Champion & Hardesty

Region

Provo » Provo Canyon » North Fork Provo R. » UFO Bowls

Location Name or Route

Aspen Grove - Primrose Overlook - UFO Bowls

Weather

Sky

Few

Wind Direction

Southwest

Wind Speed

Light

Weather Comments

The day began with warm temperatures and mostly clear skies. Clouds gradually increased in the afternoon, while southwest winds remained calm to light in the areas we traveled.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions

Dense Loose

Damp

Snow Characteristics Comments

Snow conditions were highly variable, with brush and summer surfaces mixed in below 8,000' on northeast-facing slopes. Southerly aspects were snow-free up to 10,000+'. Shaded and wind-sheltered areas held weak, faceted snow, which was damp but still faceted below 8,500'. Above that elevation, northwest, north, and northeast aspects held faceted snow up to 15–20 cm deep, possibly deeper in wind-loaded areas. Conditions made ski travel impractical, so the day was spent on foot.

"Snowpit" N aspect at 9300' - approx 20 cm of facets

Snow Profile

Elevation

9,100'

Comments

We headed into the Provo area mountains primarily to assess snow coverage. The snowpack remains shallow, with depths ranging from 0–20 cm over bare ground, rocks, and vegetation, increasing to 25–35 cm in areas with more snowfall or wind loading. At lower elevations below 8,500', the snowpack was damp but still dominated by facets, with this faceting being more pronounced in rocky areas.

At 9,500', we encountered a very weak, faceted snowpack with no obvious crusts within the layers. No clear signs of propagation given the depth, but moving forward a persistent weak layer remains a concern. As cold, dry temperatures persist, faceting will likely continue.

At upper elevations, winds were visibly transporting snow along ridgelines and sub-ridges, creating mid-slope texture. Shallow wind slabs are likely forming in these areas, potentially resting atop the weak, faceting snow.

Coverage photos across the Primrose Cirque, UFO bowls, and at Aspen Grove