Observation: Temple Peak

Observation Date
2/27/2014
Observer Name
D. Tidhar
Region
Logan » Logan River » Temple Fork » Temple Peak
Location Name or Route
Temple Peak
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Rain
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Light rain falling to roughly 7500' this morning and afternoon.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Dense very wet snow falling from roughly 7500 - 9200'. New snow accumulation by around 2pm was 2-4". Wow do we need the temperatures to drop a bit!

Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

On NNW aspect at around 8500' we experienced wet sloughing from skier decents. Numerous pin wheels and roller balls observed, both naturally occurring and from skiers. The snow was heavily (for Utah) saturated and gloppy even at elevations up to 9200'. The recent spell of warm temperatures and now rain and wet snow makes the probability higher for wet slides on north, as well as other aspects. Several low elevation (~6000') gullies near the trailhead had wet avalanched, though when was not possible to assess - could have been a few days ago, could have been today. Hopefully it will cool down significantly tonight and tomorrow and this problem will abate.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Problem #2 Comments

Hopefully the temperatures will drop and we won't experience too much in the way of deep persistent slabs. If the temps don't drop and we get a lot of wet, heavy snow then this problem certainly could manifest itself. Wait and see...

Comments

Location of gullies which had wet avalanched.

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