Observation Date
12/4/2014
Observer Name
Toddeo
Region
Provo » American Fork » Dry Fork
Location Name or Route
Dry Fork - Upper AF Canyon
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Fog at times on the AF side of the ridge, slight greenhousing.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
1"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
!" from the last "storm". Surface was slightly damp, although not as much as expected with temps warm enough to ski without a jacket.
some rollerballs on steeper aspects.
I was surprised at the lack of crusts in the south facing snow pack in this area (all above 9,900')
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Went to try to get a handle on high elevation souths. The facets are there, however they are damp and a bit more competent (4F vs Fist) than on the norths. One detailed pit at 10,100'. HS 85cm, ECTP took a good portion of my body weight and it broke in a layer of recrystallized snow above the facets. However further up the slope (10,200, HS 60cm) a quick ECT resulted in ECTP 11, Q2/3 at the top of the basel facets. One column test at 10,300, HS 65 cm) resulted in a score of CT10. This makes me think that these damp facets may still be a player. However the bridging in this area seemed sufficient to be able to skin up and ski down a 35 degree slope without any other signs of instability. It might take a large load to activate the facets.
Note facets on the north facing Supreme/East Castle side were dry.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments
Snow Profile
Aspect
Southeast
Elevation
10,100'
Slope Angle
15°
Comments
Snow profile was compiled on a slope that did not appear to have run this year. Old crowns were visible on adjacent slopes. I confirmed HS on one other bench at 9900'. It is representative of wind sheltered areas.
I was surprised by the lack of suncrusts in this area.
Many small pockets appear to have run during the last cycle. One larger slide below cliffs ran over 300' wide.
Moderate rating for south aspects.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
