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Observation: Crazy Creek

Observation Date
12/3/2016
Region
Southwest » Tushers » Crazy Creek
Location Name or Route
Tushers - Crazy Creek
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Light wind at the mid elavations but blowing in the alpine, plumes off of the high peaks all day. Transport in the upper Eagle Point parking lot. I had planned on skiing into the alpine but chaged my mid after seeing the wind and drifted snow on Mt. Holly and Lake Peak. Cold - Car thermometer said 10 degrees when I started skiing at 10.30 am. Warmed quickly in the sun.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Mostly powder with some damp snow and crusts on due south wind sheltered aspects at the mid-elevations.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Wind loading at the upper elevations. This is based on seeing the plumes and drifted snow. I skied in mid-elevation sheltered areas. Some basal facets in my profile.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Normal Caution
Problem #1 Comments

In the area I skied normal caution due to a thin early season snow pack HS is 24" on north and 18" on south aspects.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #2 Comments

I would speculate that wind slabs would be the primary hazard in the alpine.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
8,600'
Slope Angle
25°
Comments

HS-24".

The basal 4" are damp 1-2mm facets (dug out behind glove) sitting on a damp ground surface. The upper 20" grades from 2 finger to fist hardness with a low density upper 2" from the last storm. Most of the snow above the facets accumulated during the big storm last Sunday.

Sleds were sinking to the ground in this area, mostly short tracks.

Photo below: Damp basal facets.

Overall I would say a low danger in this area and would guess at least moderate in the alpine.

Skied/traveled on north and south aspects today on both sides of Crazy Creek.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates