Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Weather Place Names Map Archives
Education
Avalanche Class List UAC Class List Online Classes Resources and Tutorials Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Observation: Chicken Hill

Observation Date
1/18/2016
Observer Name
Paige Pagnucco, L Ward, A Ward
Region
Logan » Logan River » Bunch Grass » Chicken Hill
Location Name or Route
Chicken Hill
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Snowing most of the day with an additional 2-4" of accumulation.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
16"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Elevation made all the difference today with wet wet snow at the trailhead. Took to the bottom of Chicken Hill for it to dry out a bit. Snow from the last few days was inverted and then capped with lighter density layer (4-6"). Trailbreaking was arduous but we were able to stay on top descending.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Saw the outline of the White Pine Knob Avalanche but it was mostly filled back in. Stuck to lower angle slopes as all the red flags were in play today. The weakest part of the pack seemed to be at the old/new snow interface - possibly buried surface hoar or old NSF.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable