Observation Date
2/7/2016
Observer Name
Weed
Region
Logan » Logan River » East Banks
Location Name or Route
East Banks, (across canyon from Red Banks)
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Mild temperatures, with a moderate NW breeze.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Still nice settled powder conditions, but sunny (west and southwest facing) slopes became a bit damp in the afternoon and a sun-crust likely developed overnight.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
I found shallow and very weak faceted snow, especially in shady (forested or rocky) northwest facing terrain. The weak snow is not held together by mid-pack crusts in the shady areas, and my ski pole would drop easily to the ground with little effort. In many areas the sugary snow is only about 2' deep and in some cases shallower. The entire shallow pack is very soft, with fist-hard snow throughout in places, and a deteriorated 4-F slab capping a layer of large dry fist-hard facets or depth hoar in others.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Unlikely, but high consequence if you triggered one. Basal layer facets are well developed, cohesion-less, and still pretty dry.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
I cracked out a couple shallow and small wind slabs in drifted terrain.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
7,600'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments
Here's a photo of some of the well developed facets that was sinking into while trying to ascend. I was like trying to skin up through very loose sand in places.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates
