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Observation: Stansbury Range

Observation Date
3/15/2017
Observer Name
John Mletschnig
Region
Salt Lake » Stansbury Range
Location Name or Route
Stansbury Mountains East Hickman Canyon
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Clear, mostly cal and warm. Only a light freeze overnight
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

It remains spring in the mountains. Corn is most developed and the surface is most supportable on slopes with a southerly component above 8k and all aspects below that. Very little snow remains below 7k. At 8k about a meter is on the ground in sheltered areas; 9k more like 150cm.

All aspects up to 10k we softening with heating but snow is a bit sticky on the north 1/2 (at least between 8k and 10k, unfortunately didn't get any higher.

Access:

It is easy to drive to the Bear Fork turn off in East Hickman Canyon at 6500' with minimal snow driving. Sled access from there isn't possible due to intermittent melt off.

In other news there is no snow in sight at the South Willow canyon gate... which remains shut.

Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Problem #1 Comments

Hazard rising with heating of the day on solar aspects and mid and low elevation slopes of all aspects. I also wouldn't rule out the possibility of wet slab activity or a corn slab resultant of superficial freezes overnight.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Cornice
Problem #2 Comments

Many of the cornices are still hanging on and will attempt to join their numerous friends who have already jumped ship.

Comments

Looking north in East Hickman Canyon from 7500'

Looking west along the Stansbury Front trail at 7500'

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