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Observation: Steam Mill Peak Area

Observation Date
2/21/2014
Observer Name
Pagnucco
Region
Logan » Franklin Basin » Steam Mill Peak Area
Location Name or Route
East Shoulder
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Blustery. Snowing lightly to moderately all day. Improving turning and riding conditions throughout the day. Cold temps up high.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
10"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

10 inches of new medium density snow from the last couple of days sitting on a very supportable base.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Cornices building throughout the day at the ridgeline. Shallow wind slabs developing and becoming sensitive as day progressed.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

Dug a very deep pit (7 feet+) to check out the facets on the ground. They are getting denser and more compressed with the large load on top. Only ECT failure came at 20 about 20 cm from the top at the interface between last Friday's rain/snow mix and the new snow.

Had to pry and lever the remaining block to get any failure at the facets.

I expect a decreasing danger for deep slabs but the same danger for wind slabs tomorrow.

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