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Observation: West ridge

Observation Date
12/15/2014
Observer Name
chester
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » 10420 » West ridge
Location Name or Route
lanes leap 10420 ridge line
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Light
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
very light 4" new snow buried 3" old surface facets from the past 10+ days supportable bed underneath.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
new snow did not bond well to old faceted snow. the good news is it is very light
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
found 5 cm of depth hoar. This weak layer seems to be supporting the current load ok. 4 lemons persistent grain type grain size diff >1mm less than 10 cm thick in the top meter (50 cm of snow) of the snow pack
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,800'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments
warning- newbie digger. in the pit did an extended colum test. collapsed at swing 27 from the arm on the depth hoar. did not fracture cleanly and shear was q3 at current load rubber band does not seem stretched. propogation saw test on depth hoar collapsed 70% cut indication stable conditions.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates