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Observation: Snowbasin Backcountry

Observation Date
12/30/2013
Observer Name
Tim Beaman
Region
Ogden » Snowbasin Backcountry
Location Name or Route
Snowbasin Periphery - the "Diaper" (local/patrol name)
Weather
Sky
Clear
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Rain-Rime Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Judging from the inverted cones around protruding bushes, 3-4" of slow settlement has occurred in the snow pack in the last week or so.

The rain crust still persists to varying degrees.

The profile of the snow pack at around 7500' on a NE facing slope of 32 degrees consisted of a rain crust at or near the surface; then loose facets to a stouter 1/2" crust at 16"; then 4 finger rounding facets to 32"; then another 4" of very loose facets to the ground. Isolated columns of snow failed on the basal facets at CT= 4

No signs of old avalanches, no collapsing, and no cracking except in the settling rain crust.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Problem #1 Comments

The snow cover is generally thin and rotten in this region and you might be able to start a loose snow avalanche in steeper areas underlain by the ubiquitous groups of small boulders.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate