Observation: American Fork

Observation Date
1/25/2025
Observer Name
Katz/Applegarth
Region
Provo » American Fork
Location Name or Route
Pole Line Pass
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
East
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Decreasing temperatures and winds were observed at 1400 hour, with snowfall rates varying between S1 and S2 throughout the day.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Collapsing
Red Flags Comments
Localized collapses were observed in wind loaded terrain. Cracking was observed with failures located both above buried windboard or MF crust, as well as below these crusts on a recently formed NSF layer (pictured)
Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
9,500'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments
Observations today ranged from sheltered north facing terrain to exposed west. Under new snow, windboard from last week's wind events was present and variable in strength, thickness, and location. Also notably present was a spotty MF crust located on west in select locations. A profile dug on west revealed a shallow snowpack, with a weakening slab, and a layer of NSF present below the new snow. Failures on this layer were obvious in travels, and produced propagation, especially where associated with a breakable crust to bridge the new snow above. Probing on shady terrain showed a similarly weak, 120cm deep snowpack in most areas, with a thicker early season basal layer, relative to the attached profile.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates