Observation: Albion Basin

Observation Date
2/20/2015
Observer Name
Kobernik
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Albion Basin
Location Name or Route
Snowpit in Albion Basin
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Mostly light winds but a few notable gusts in the 9500' range.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments

The new snow contained a little graupel. This medium density snow definitely improved riding conditions.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
I noted a few drifts up to around 6" deep. These didn't crack although they were not on steep slopes either.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Wind drifted snow would be the only minor concern out there. I'm not sure if there was even enough to bump the danger into the MODERATE catagory.

Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
9,600'
Slope Angle
20°
Comments

My main objective today was to take a quick look at the new snow and to test the new snow penetrometer device from Avatech. I dug in a location I use frequently in Albion Basin where there is no skier traffic. I dug a pit to manually look at the layering and the hand-hardness. I also used the electronic probe right next to the pit wall. I'm pretty impressed that the electronic probe produced a very similar profile (image below) to what I was seeing in my manual observations.

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