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Observation: Toms Hill

Observation Date
12/23/2012
Observer Name
Austin
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
United States
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Weather Comments
Overcast and warm. The first of the storm clouds began to roll in as I left BCC.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
90cm was the average depth at this location. Snow appeared well bonded at ground level with a very dense / hard layer that rose to about 35cm where the crust-facet-crust layer began. This C-F-C layer was about 10cm thick with a very loose layer of facets at the center. After 45cm snow consistently decreased in density and felt 'right side up.' Pit was open to the sky, dug to ground level, and located far from trees.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments
I observed similar results as those reported by the UAC today: a shallow snowpack with a crust, facet, crust layer near the ground.
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
8,400'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments
A macro of snow crystals collected from just above the sandwich crust; at 45cm from ground. Reference: 1mm grid on a BCA snow card
A macro of snow crystals collected at the center of the crust, facet, crust sandwich layer; at 40cm from ground. Reference: 3mm grid on a BCA snow card
Tom's Hill / Weathering Heights area is still VERY thin IMO. The west-facing aspect (north of Powder Park and East of Short Swing) appeared to have much more consistent coverage.