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Observation: Snowbasin Backcountry

Observation Date
3/23/2016
Observer Name
Bill Hunt
Region
Ogden » Snowbasin Backcountry
Location Name or Route
Snowbasin backcountry
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Bluebird day, cold enough to keep the sun from ruining the snow for a few hours in the morning at least.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Sun and wind sheltered slopes were the best, as expected. The same slope I mentioned triggering an 8-12" slab pocket on yesterday, 9300' NW, was completely filled back in, and wind-scoured. Seems to have been some rime in the upper elevation wind as well, since the trees were rimed again.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
More cracking and small windslab pockets today. Didn't spend much time above 9000' where I would expect higher hazard.
Comments
A small windslab pocket on a test slope around 8900', cracked out but didn't run much. 4th photo, rime on the trees at 9300'.
Below, there were a couple slides from yesterday in Hells, seen from below. Not sure if these were natural, or someone triggered them. Deposition looked about 3 feet deep. The possibility of being carried into rocks or trees by a small/medium slide like this is a significant concern.
A number of interesting control results in the upper Mt Ogden bowl today. This area is considered out of bounds these days. While its somewhat controlled, the extreme nature of the terrain calls for a backcountry level of awareness in here. A number of windslab pockets have been skier-triggered in this area this year, and it would not surprise me to see more slab pockets come out the next time access is allowed in this area.
The Moderate rating is for the terrain travelled, primarily below 9000', avoiding exposed steeper lines.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate