Observation: Monte Cristo

Observation Date
1/29/2026
Observer Name
Kaufmann
Region
Ogden » Monte Cristo
Location Name or Route
Pit 129
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Overcast early morning yielded to progressively clearing clouds throughout the day ending with FEW at 1600. Winds came up in the afternoon (L) out of the W and SW. Very light snowfall continued sporadically throughout the day. Snow had been previously transported (last night) but was not moving around significantly today. Around 1030, air temps at the trailhead (7200') were -4C, 1cm new. Later at 1400, air temps at 8500' were the same, -4C.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Travelled a range of surfaces. Mostly wind-affected old surfaces in unsheltered terrain. Tucked away, plenty of soft snow still exists...

Encountered some wind loading in Isolated, ridgetop locations, seeming to be in the Stubborn range of things. Anecdotally -- spongy, cakey feeling.

Dug a pit in sheltered NW trees to check out what SH may have been buried / preserved below this most recent storm -- see below.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
8,500'
Slope Angle
15°
Comments

P1: Surface conditions in protected areas

P2: Isolated ridgetop "cakey" wind slab formation

P3: Wx looking NNE

P4: Groomer snow conditions and shared user area

P5: What a snowpack to behold

Coordinates
Snow Pilot URL