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Observation: Ogden

Observation Date
1/6/2017
Observer Name
Bill Brandt
Region
Ogden
Location Name or Route
Rodeo ridge
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Cold day 16 below at the trailhead. The sun warmed things up a bit until it set behind the ridge and then it got cold again.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
16"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Right side up. Fluff on top and firm underneath.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We had 2 large rumbling collapses while skinning across Test Hill (SE facing slopes with mellow slope angle). Buried facet layer was noted just under snow from the last storm. Collapses happened both times at around 6,000 ft. Probably not an issue as much of the terrain at that elevation is covered with brush. No collapsing noted on different aspects or at higher elevations. There was better bonding between new and old snow above 6K. I saw no evidence of recent slides.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Persistent weak layer above 12-16-16 rain crust remains nonreactive.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments

Once again able to trigger small surface sluffs on steep slopes with ski cuts which were slow moving and lacked much energy.

Comments

Not ready to call it low danger yet those collapses were spooky. Will stick to moderate danger at low and mid elevations.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate