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Observation: Big Springs

Observation Date
2/11/2025
Observer Name
Torrey & Davis
Region
Provo » Provo Canyon » South Fork Provo R. » Big Springs
Location Name or Route
Big Springs
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Mostly cloudy skies in the morning. Inverted temperatures at the trailhead. Increasing cloud cover and light snow starting at 10 AM. Temps dropped and snowfall gradually increased into the early afternoon ~3" of new snow by about 4 pm.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Bottom feeding on firm old snow surfaces from last week. Recent snow has faceted slightly.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
No red flags were observed today. Some light wind drifting was observed on mid-elevation slopes but did not pose a hazard.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Below 8,000 feet, the snowpack is about 2 feet deep, with recent snowfall resting on a thick, supportable crust. Above 8,000 feet, the snowpack measures around 5 feet deep and is generally well-structured. Two distinct crusts are present in the upper snowpack—one from last week's warm spell and another from a rain-on-snow event in early February.
In the pit I dug (mid-elevation, north aspect), the combination of rain and warm temperatures likely helped stabilize the January facet layer. A distinct ice layer, formed by refrozen water, is easily identifiable above it and was present up to 9,300 feet (the highest elevation I traveled).
When traveling in this area, my primary focus would be on slopes that have previously avalanched, as well as faceted layers near the surface and those adjacent to crusts.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
9,000'
Slope Angle
23°
Comments
Photo 1: Snow scope profile to compare with the manual profile.
Photo 2: Old natural wet snow avalanches on a northwest aspect at ~8300'
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates