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Observation: Providence Canyon

Observation Date
12/17/2016
Observer Name
Wally Macfarlane
Region
Logan » Providence Canyon
Location Name or Route
Providence Canyon
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Very cold. Well below zero
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
14"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Up to 14 inches of new snow from 12/15 on top of Rain/wet snow crust. The crust line was most prevalent below 8000 feet.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Wind loading from night before, snow from two days before.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
The top 4 to 6 inches was very sensitive with widespread sluffing (density change within new snow). Not a big deal because lack of slab on top.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
On upper elevation north facing slopes there was considerable wind slabs. As a result we stay off these areas.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,800'
Slope Angle
33°
Comments
I dug a snow pit to the ground. The depth was 130 cm total. The weakest layer was about 10 to 15 cm from the surface, a sensitive density change within the new snow. In an isolated column the layer failed with 4 taps on the shovel blade. I also preformed a shovel shear test which showed a shear at moderate force at about 15 to 20 cm from the ground at a faceted snow layer on the ground.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates