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Observation: Steam Mill Peak Area

Observation Date
12/29/2014
Observer Name
Pagnucco, A Ward
Region
Logan » Franklin Basin » Steam Mill Peak Area
Location Name or Route
Steam Mill Peak
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
East
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
cold day out there, especially when exposed to the wind.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
16"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Snow has started to settle a little bit from yesterday's ultra-light density. Trailbreaking was a grunt but the slab beneath is totally supportable. Noticed some surface cracking where the wind was starting to have its way.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Experienced no collapsing or significant cracking at mid and high elevations. No visible recent avalanches but visibility was pretty limited.
Comments

Did a very quick CT (8800', NE) and got a failure at the Solstice snow. The weak layer is a mixture of graupel and small facets. There is a 10-15cm 1F layer above this and about 30 cm of snow sitting on top that is 4F/Fist and very SOFT.

Still stayed clear of 35+.

Winds tonight and tomorrow will likely have major impact across the range.

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