Observation: Box Elder Peak

Salsburg

Logan » Wellsville Mountain Wilderness » Box Elder Peak

Wellsville Mountains

I ventured into the Wellsville mountains this morning. Left the trailhead at 0530, arrived at the summit of Box Elder peak at 0830. I travelled on foot all the way to the summit. It was a gorgeous day, no cloud cover in the morning and very light winds. There was a solid refreeze overnight, down to about 8400'. My first run was on an east aspect, the corn was superb. I skied down to about 8600' and transitioned back to skins for a second lap. I decided to move to a north aspect as it was becoming quite warm at this point. At about 9000', I noticed that the snow started to change and was less consolidated. I stopped and did a quick ECT . My results were: ECTN 8 down 2", and ECTN 13 at the new/old snow interface, down about 14". There is a layer of graupel here. I was unable to get propagation, but a shovel shear caused the slab to propagate on this interface. The slab is very stubborn, but I think there is potential to trigger a slide on this if you hit the right spot. I think this problem is likely confined to the highest elevations on north aspects in the Wellsvilles, possibly other areas in the Logan area- this is also where the best coverage is. I noticed an old cornice triggered slab avalanche on a similar aspect. There aren't many of them left, but there are still some hanging around. With unsettled weather in the forecast, anyone heading into the high country should be aware of this weak layer. It could become reactive with more of a load or a cornice falling down. I decided not to ski the slope, and skied back down to the saddle at the top of Rattlesnake canyon. If you like type 2 fun, it's definitely worth getting up there and making some turns. East facing slopes are consolidated and have gone through enough melt/freeze cycles that there isn't much avalanche concern as long as you don't overstay your welcome.

Moderate

Moderate