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Observation: White Rock Hollow

Observation Date
2/22/2013
Observer Name
Weed
Region
Logan
Location Name or Route
Providence Canyon-Richard's Hollow
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Snow and obscurred skies mostly, with occasional breaks.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
16"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Very good knee deep light powder conditions.....

Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
Cracking around a foot deep involving light new snow only.... New snow on many slopes had already cracked and buckled by the time we observed...
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

We noticed several natural sluffs in steep terrain and below cornices, and we triggered a couple from the ridge top and a few more while skiing. These were certainly manageable.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

Wind slab avalanches are likely to become an issue when the wind picks up. There sure is a lot of light weight, easily transportable snow at upper elevations in the Logan Peak Area anyway, and it'll easily be drifted into lee slopes and terrain features.

Comments

Photo 1 of cracked and buckled new snow apparent on many slopes. The cracks were around a foot deep, with the very soft slab failing on a density change in the light snow...

Photo 2 even with moderate winds, significant drifting was occurring with the available light powder.... Significant drifting is likely with the forecast windy conditions this weekend.

We thought we'd get first tracks, but we were wrong....