Observation Date
2/10/2016
Observer Name
brian smith
Region
Ogden
Location Name or Route
south skyline, dry canyon
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
cool even at 8000 ft. with little warming of the snow
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Rain-Rime Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Surface hoar skiing from 7000-6000 ft. fun and fast. Wind crusted ridges. Dense powder above 7000 ft. on shaded slopes. Below 7000ft. skiing is on top on the rain crust, above you ski through it as it is breaking down.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
wind loaded ridges
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Normal Caution
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Wind slab is present but stubborn, not cracking or moving. Below 7000 ft. the rain crust is supportable for skier and moving snow. In places there is surface hoar on the rain crust and the snow is sensitive but hard to find a slab down lower, so the situation makes for loose snow slides that get running and could knock you over in a terrain trap.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
saw nothing new today in the wet snow department as the few clouds and colder temps kept the snow from heating up much.
Comments
1. surface hoar
2. Wind affected ridge line
short video of faceted loose snow slide on a north facing 35 degree slope at 6000ft. Others I caused accumulated greater than this one that I caught on camera.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
