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Observation: Deep Canyon

Observation Date
1/7/2014
Observer Name
Weed
Region
Logan » Little Bear » Deep Canyon
Location Name or Route
Wellsville Mountain Wilderness, Deep Canyon Saddle
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Very light snowfall in the afternoon, but snow non-the-less.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Rain-Rime Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Highly variable snow surface conditions, with bomb-proof wind-board and bottomless loose facets often found within the same square meter in wind exposed terrain. Upper elevations slopes had a thin and deteriorated rime-crust on the surface and around 20 cms of soft weak and very loose faceted snow under it, which was smooth, fast, and fun. That's about as positive as I can be about the snow. Had to put the skins back on to get out the lower part of the trail.... We really need some snow!

Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
No obvious red flags other than very weak faceted snow on just about every slope I looked at. Not really a safety issue now, but is likely to lead to widespread avalanche problems when snow finally does pile up in the region. I found very loose and well developed faceted snow from top to bottom of Deep Canyon and on slopes facing just about every dirrection.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

I'm still avoiding steep slopes that I suspect of having poor snow structure, a more cohesive slab overlying weak sugary faceted snow. Gradually diminishing likelyhood but still a high consequence, as persistent slab avalanches could be 2 or 3 feet deep and the shallow snowpack means you'd be dragged through rough ground and bushes.

Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
7,600'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments

Here's a look at the shallow coverage in the bowls on the north side of Mendon Peak.

This is the west side of the range, with large barren areas stripped of snow and very shallow, wind hammered and uninviting snow cover

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