Observation: Provo Canyon

Observation Date
1/19/2016
Observer Name
Primomo
Region
Provo » Provo Canyon
Location Name or Route
Arrowhead
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
8,200'
Slope Angle
24°
Comments

A few layers of slabs consisting of 1F hardness snow. Weakest layer here was the 4F graupel (3+mm) intermixed with scattered but sharp 2-4mm stellars. This layer was down 55cm here, and was the 1/14 interface. Surface hoar coated the surface in open areas. Test results were:

CTM SC x2

ECTP 21

PST 35/100 (End)

Video

With such a progressive storm track, it has been somewhat difficult to keep accurate tabs on the snowpack. The obvious has been in the avalanche observations. What I saw today was a mixture of deep weak layers, presumably basal facets have been acting up with incremental loading, and the 1/14 interface (which likely ranges from 40cm to 100cm deep depending on aspect, elevation, and which part of the range.

Photos:

1. Pt 10626, ENE aspect south of Box Elder into Wide Hollow.

2. NE-SE terrain off Pt 11036 south of White Baldy. The crown wrapped around to below the mid slope cliffs on R if you look carefully.

3. E facing off upper Cascade Cirque.

4. SW facing terrain, lower SR-92 corridor (6200ft)

5. Lost Creek debris from eastern most bowl (SE at 9800ft)

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