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Observation: South Tony Grove

Observation Date
11/25/2014
Observer Name
Weed
Region
Logan » Logan River » Tony Grove » South Tony Grove
Location Name or Route
slopes above Tony Grove Campground
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Stormy but mild day, with heavy moist snowfall and sustained strong winds.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

I'm reading 41 inches of total snow containing 8.5 inches of snow water equivalent at the Tony Grove Snotel, and it's accurate by our visit to the area today.  We floated well in the few inches of heavy rimed snow on the surface and found smooth, rather coastal, but very nice riding conditions. 

Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
No obvious signs of instability despite obvious drifting and fairly heavy loading. We were somewhat surprised by very good snow stability... Most areas had no snow on the ground before the productive storm on 11/14. The rapid and heavy accumulations appear to be setting up solidly without a sugary weak layer yet in the basal layers of the snowpack. Possible exceptions might be found on the north faces of the highest elevation peaks, especially in areas with smooth underlying ground.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

There was lots of drifting going on today, but we didn't find any sensitive wind slabs.  The story could be a bit different on the highest ridges, and It's always a good idea to avoid steep freshly drifted slopes.

Comments
The heavy snow drifted quickly into our tracks, filling them in and obscuring them completely in open exposed terrain.
We found good riding conditions and ventured onto a couple steeper slopes without incident.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate