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Observation: Sand Rock Ridge

Observation Date
12/1/2015
Observer Name
Toddeo
Region
Southwest » Pahvant Range » Pine Creek » Sand Rock Ridge
Location Name or Route
Sand Rock Ridge- Pavant Range
Weather
Sky
Clear
Weather Comments
Clear and clam, a bit inverted but still cold at elevation.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments

Faceted and loose on all aspects traveled today (6800 to 8300'). Surface hoar feathers to 1 cm. Snow pack on most aspects is rotting to the ground. The one exception is sheltered areas above 8000'. These areas have a bit more structure, 4 finger as opposed to fist. this is similar to what I saw this weekend in upper BCC.

HS @8200 is 16 to 20". The Pine Creek snotel site is reporting 20". 3"new during the last storm a total of approx. 6" in the last week. Big Flat in the Tushers is only report a HS of 13".

Was able to drive to 6800' could have gone a bit higher with chains.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The poor snow structure is more of a red flag to come. Similar situation to the central Wasatch. I would imagine that it would be possible to trigger a shallow windslab in the exposed upper elevation areas of the Pavants.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Normal Caution
Problem #1 Comments

Normal caution for shallow snowpack. I would be leery of any upper elevation aspects with wind loading.

Extra caution for large kitty cats, crossed a set of tracks as big as I have seen on the ski out, they were not there on the way in!

Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,200'
Slope Angle
5°
Comments

I was surprised by the lack of loose basal facets in the area of my snow profile. i did see them in some other areas.

Could have had the cover of facets magazine today if I had a partner and camera.

Trailbreaking is harder than it should be.

Apologies for the low tech profile, living the simple life down here in Fillmore.

Forecaster Note: I have also found the basal facets to be damp near the ground during the limited travel I have done along the neighboring Skyline region. Kobernik

Low danger is for areas traveled today.

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