Observation Date
12/20/2015
Observer Name
Toddeo
Region
Southwest » Pahvant Range » Maple Canyon
Location Name or Route
Maple Canyon - Main Canyon
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
light snow all day , 1" new, rimed stellers (photo below) and pellets.
some wind blowing at the mid elevations. Upper elevations sounded windy but could not see.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
1"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
1" new sitting over a mixed bag including preserved surface hoar. Low elevation damp areas yesterday are now crusted and semi supportable.
Easy to shear the new snow in areas with preserved surface hoar.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
wind was blowing at times, i would imigne that loading is occuring at the upper elevations which were obscured today.
Facets were not as bad as I was expecting in this area, I would expect them to heal at some point. However ECTS's are propogating (see below).
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
I think the 2 finger snow sitting on top of 2 facet layers is of concern. Moderate with perhaps pockets of considerable in areas traveled today, could easily be considerable in the high elevation starting zones.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Normal Caution
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Normal caution for early season travel, however the snow pack in the Pavants is impressive!
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,700'
Slope Angle
32°
Comments
Photo below - Rimed dendrite.
2nd Photo - facets at base of ECTP, very rough, Q3
Photo Below , Typical Pavant Slidepath.......North facing mid Maple Canyon.
Photo below, not your typical Wasatch Exit......
ATV's not making it very far past the trailhead. Still able to drive to the 6400' trailhead. Snowpack is consolidated but the ATV trial I skinned up today is likely not ready for a sled yet.
Hazrad of Considerable is based on the upper elevation start zones. Moderate elsewhere.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
