Observation Date
2/11/2018
Region
Skyline
Location Name or Route
Ephraim & Manti Canyons, Seely Creek
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
East
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Increasing clouds as the day progressed. East wind was blowing most of the day along the ridges and down into the canyon bottoms a little as well.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Pretty nice quality new snow, just not enough! The new snow is hiding lots of firm features on the old snow surface.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Avalanches breaking into old weak sugary faceted snow remains the biggest concern although things seem mostly stable right now. We just have not overloaded the buried weak snow yet. Until that happens, it appears that avalanches breaking into old snow are fairly unlikely in the majority of the terrain right now. Just don't forget about that buried weak snow if we ever actually start getting some normal winter storms.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #2 Comments
There was some minor fresh wind slabs that released naturally toward the end of the storm on Saturday. I provoked some of the fresh drifts but could not get anything to crack today. You might find a pocket that could release but these alone don't pose much threat.
Photo below: example of the minor wind slabs
Photo below: 3 to 4 inches of new snow on top of 100% faceted (sugary) weak snow. This faceted snow is comprised of a number of different layers and grain sizes. It is easy to run your hand through it indicating that it is weak and could be a problem with future snow storms. This was on a north facing slope in Seely Creek at about 10,000' in elevation.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
