Observation: Naomi Peak

Observation Date
12/31/2013
Observer Name
Toby Weed, Drew Hardesty
Region
Logan » Logan River » Tony Grove » Naomi Peak
Location Name or Route
Tony Grove Lake to Naomi Peak
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Wintery and cold with moderate snowfall and a fair amount of drifting up high. Nicer lower and in more sheltered terrain.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Rain-Rime Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Wide variety of snow surface conditions, but mostly supportable. Lower angled meadows and gentle east facing slopes offered the nicest snow for riding, with fast and smooth shallow powder conditions in many areas. The very weak snowpack is generally very shallow, with less than a meter of total snow even at upper elevations and more like two feet in most areas.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We triggered a couple nice audible collapses in low angled drifted areas. Wind drifting was quite apparent, with fresh mostly fairly shallow drifts and wind slabs forming.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Old and fresher wind slabs could be a problem in drifted upper elevation terrain.. Wind slabs formed and were forming on weak faceted snow , which is fairly deep (around two feet of sugary structureless crap) and widespread in the region.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments

Most of the suspect steep upper elevation slopes that I've recently visited remain untracked and untested because the snow is so shallow and weak and you'd hit rocks if you tried to ride your sled on them. In some areas, a denser and stronger slab layer sits atop very weak faceted snow creating dangerous avalanche conditions. These areas aren't all that widespread or easy to identify, but dangerous, high consequence triggered avalanches are certainly possible in some drifted upper elevation terrain. We often refer to these conditions as pockety or the terrain as having pockets of more dangerous conditions....

Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
9,700'
Slope Angle
32°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates