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Observation: Horse Hollow

Observation Date
1/9/2016
Observer Name
Toddeo
Region
Southwest » Pahvant Range » Chalk Creek » Horse Hollow
Location Name or Route
Pavant Range - Horse Hollow
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Clam day, A few flakes here and there no accumulation. Some fog, see photo below.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Surface all powder today, mostly low with some medium density with some graupel and rimed stellers. Sitting on a mostly supportable spongy 2 finger density base, fairly easy travel. I skied from 5,400 to 8,000', the warm weather a few days ago helped consolidate the base in this area.

Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
Can't really say I saw any red flags today, the basal facets in my one snow pit are damp and healing well, see below.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Normal Caution
Problem #1 Comments

Note I only made it to 8,000' , in this area my main concern was brush on my exit back to the chalk creek road.

Normal travel precautions.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
7,600'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments

Of note is a solid and mostly supportable mid-pack, basal facets healing well in this area.

Some due north areas contained weaker snow, also plenty of thin rocky areas with rotted snow in areas around rock bands.

Photo below, snow flurry moving in from west.

Photos below rime.

Hazard rating based on low and mid elevation areas traveled today. I was surprised by the lack of sled traffic on the Chalk Creek road, had to break trail part of the way at 9 am!

Photo below, gratuitous shrub and mt. mahogany skiing photo.

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