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Observation: Eagle Point

Observation Date
1/24/2016
Observer Name
Toddeo
Region
Southwest » Tushers » Beaver River » Eagle Point
Location Name or Route
Tushers - Eagle Point Resort and Periphery
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Cold day! Winds were strong on the ridge tops for most of the day. Skies were mostly obscured but did part and become clear at about 3 pm. Strong wind loading most of the day and plumes were still visible on the high peaks after things cleared up. Day ended clear with light to moderate winds.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Generally 12" new with the last inch or so coming during the day. Some wind crusts and drifts in exposed areas. Minor sluffing on steep rollovers. Moderate bonding to the old snow surface which consisted of some facets and decomposed precipitation particles.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
High PI rates during the early morning hours, Eagle Point reported some activity on steep road cuts. Wind loading and drifting during the day. Tracks were blowing in throughout the day in exposed areas. All cracking was limited to drifts and was very localized.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Primary concern today was wind slabs in exposed areas. I did not get above tree line. Moderate hazard in areas traveled but I would expect considerable above tree line in exposed areas.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments

Persistent slab is due to the basal facets on all aspects. Low probability.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Southwest
Elevation
10,400'
Slope Angle
10°
Comments

snow profile location is just north of the area boundary below Mt. Holly In an area commonly skied by skiers returning to the resort, location was selected to assess commonly skied terrain. I chose an area that is surrounded by trees and should not be skier compacted.

No instabilities noted in the snow pit.

Quick pits were also dug on east and north aspects. Both of these aspects contained HS in the 90 to 100 cm range with basal facets and a moderately strong mid pack on the east and a weakening mid pack on the north aspects.

Overall the snow pack seems a bit thinner than the Wasatch and Pavants but similar in overall structure with the possible exception of basal facets and sun crusts on the south.

Thanks to the Eagle Point ski patrol for the hospitality and tour of the area!

As what seems typical for the Tushers many areas in the alpine were scoured to bare rock. On the other side of the equation, many areas also appeared to be drifted and loaded, classic alpine terrain!

Overall I would say a moderate danger in areas I skied today, that being said, I was not in any alpine terrain but would anticipate a considerable hazard in areas above tree line and an overall hazard of considerable due to the wind loading and transport.

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