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Observation Date
1/18/2013
Observer Name
Toby Weed
Region
Logan
Location Name or Route
White Pine Canyon
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Nice day to be up and out of the smog.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Rain-Rime Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Highly variable.... Better than expected in sheltered east facing terrain. Wind jacked up high. Fist-hard facets to the ground capped by large cornflake-like surface hoar lower in Bunchgrass Canyon.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Shallow and stiff wind slabs on weak facets creating poor snow structure in places. No other obvious red flags noted.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

These were not especially reactive to my weight, but some are pretty good sized and very hard. Many sitting on faceted snow that was on the surface in early January...

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

Certainly potential for loose wet activity, especially in sunny, sheltered, solar oven-like bowls. I noticed a few naturals off cliff bands in steep terrain.

Comments

Rime-crust exposed by wind glistens in the sun on Cornice Ridge.

Wind jacked snow in panorama of White Pine Canyon under Mount Gog.

Video

Corn flake sized surface hoar on the trail in mid Bunchgrass.