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Observation: Steep Hollow Timber Sale

Observation Date
12/23/2024
Observer Name
Weed
Region
Logan » Franklin Basin » Steep Hollow » Steep Hollow Timber Sale
Location Name or Route
SteepH Timber Sale
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Rain at the TH and wet snow on Franklin Basin Road. Gradual clearing and drying in the afternoon...
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
the new snow was pretty moist and sticky, like mashed potatoes
Red Flags
Red Flags
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
I triggered some small and some pretty large whumps, and found widespread poor snow structure, with boot penetration to the ground everywhere.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The danger will rise as snow accumulates and is drifted onto slopes with persistent weak layers and very poor snow structure.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
8,400'
Slope Angle
25°
Comments
A lovely, somewhat wet day in the backcountry, with a nice refreshing several inches of moist new snow at upper elevations. My test pit shows poor snow structure and unstable snow, with full slab propagation at ECTP 13 (3 taps from the elbow). I triggered several whumps, both small and larger ones. Some of these included this shooting cracks that were up to about 25 feet long.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Snow Pilot URL