Planned Website Outage: The UAC website will be down for maintenance on June 17 from 2:00 - 7:00 PM MT.

Observation: Steam Mill Peak

Observation Date
12/8/2017
Observer Name
Pagnucco, Ward
Region
Logan » Franklin Basin » Hells Kitchen » Steam Mill Peak
Location Name or Route
Steam Mill Peak
Weather
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Crisp, clear day.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
14"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Snow is riding fast and loud with medium size surface hoar capping the last storm. Top 4-8" is starting to weaken (facet) which is maintaining high ski quality but potentially setting up widespread weak layer for next cycle. Surface hoar only in shaded terrain and N facing slopes.

Direct sun on SE through SW made the snow damp and sticky. Will definitely crust over with the cold nights. Lower elevation S facing slopes are melting.

Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments

Avoided steep wind drifted terrain today. Obvious wind affect on N facing upper elevation exposed slopes.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
8,900'
Comments

No results from ECT. There are numerous faceted weak layers above above and below each thick crust. These two crusts are incredibly strong and a skier would be hard pressed to be able to trigger any weaknesses below either. A snowmobile or bike might have just enough more force though to cause a collapse.

The most concerning layer is the faceted snow above the upper crust. This is the same weak layer that was the culprit in our natural cycle last Sunday night.

Weird lighting in the photo but the stout crusts are the obvious grey lines.

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