Observation Date
3/6/2013
Observer Name
Bill Hunt
Region
Ogden
Location Name or Route
Snowbasin backcountry
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
When I went up Mt Allen at 3:30 PM it was calm; later some gusts came through, but nothing like yesterday.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Firm but turnable styrofoam up high (9500'), nice settled powder from 9000 to 8000' (even at 4PM), then increasing rollerballs, pinwheels and rapidly increasing dampness. Sticky wet snow below 7500' made the exit more difficult; but at least it was not hard crust.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
Almost no cracking today, did not get any pockets to come out. I felt good about stability above 8000'. The increasingly wet snow below 8000 feet, in north facing trees, became a little worrisome when it became too wet and sticky to maintain good speed on cuts. I would give the lower elevations below 7000' a day to refreeze in this next storm cycle, before heading down there. Anything steep (that still has snow) that gets rain as this next storm comes in could slide to the ground.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Problem #1 Comments
Northfacing snow below 7800 was really getting wet; it seemed like the warmest that area has been this season. Hopefully we'll get a good freeze with this next storm.
Comments
Saw some unusual cornices that formed quickly in the high winds over the past few days. This one overhangs about 3 feet, and about 12 feet wide. Its at the top of the Banana chute.
This cornice was like firm styrofoam; it was not sensitive. It took quite a few kicks, and then only half the cornice went, sliding down the firm snow surface below. I left the rest so others can see it. Sorry this photo is not better, but it gives you an idea of what broke off, and what remained.
