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Observation: North Fork Coal Fork

Observation Date
1/7/2018
Observer Name
Brett Kobernik
Region
Skyline » Pleasant Creek » Coal Fork » North Fork Coal Fork
Location Name or Route
Coal Fork
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Sanpete valley was socked in all day, clear above 6500'
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Medium density snow with wind during the storm created a fairly dense new slab.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The new dense slab was either not quite enough weight or just not quite the right structure to create avalanches, cracking or collapsing into the old weak snow. The new snow sure did cap off all of the faceted snow quite nicely. I suspect this will "bridge" the facets just a bit allowing more snow to stack up before they fail. The danger will no doubt increase with the next storm.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
10,400'
Slope Angle
36°
Comments
I think there was a fairly good chance that I could have provoked an avalanche today. However, once I got to the upper elevations, I realized I forgot my skins so I couldn't travel around on skis. The snowpack is quite "upside down", I was a little surprised it wasn't a bit more sensitive. I actually didn't see any cracking at all today. Don't worry, it'll come.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates