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Observation: Maple Hollow

Observation Date
2/16/2018
Observer Name
Toddeo
Region
Southwest » Pahvant Range » Maple Hollow
Location Name or Route
Pahvants - Maple Hollow
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Some light winds on the ridge tops. Started out cold and got a bit warm in the sun. Cool enough that the sunny aspect of the road into the campground did not melt out.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

HST 5" from the last storm above 7000'. Medium density sitting on a variety of surfaces. Some exposed areas of crusts on wind exposed aspects.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The primary red flag is the weak snow structure, this is more of a future red flag. North aspects above 7,500 are generally unconsolidated and weak. I had to ski very lightly to avoid hitting buried wood. I also skied a run on a ENE aspect at the 9,000 to 8,600' elevations, this was much more supportable and if I would have realized this earlier, I would have spent more time on this aspect. The support was from a crust located below the storm snow from the last two storms. Minor wind loading on exposed ridges, minor in this area, some minor drifts and pockets of wind slab.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Normal Caution
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Deciding on the primary avalanche problem at this point is difficult. I did not see too many obvious signs of instability at this time. However I was able to generate an ECTP near the ground (see Below), I don't think there is enough of a cohesive slab to cause a significant avalanche in this area. All drifts were non reactive.

The primary hazard is thin cover.

Moderate hazard until it snows.

Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,800'
Slope Angle
25°
Comments

Of note are basal facets which are rounding underlain and overlain by a thin melt-freeze crust. Above the crust the mid pack generally consist of 2-3 finger hardness rounds. ECTP 30+, Q3 in the facets, I had to hit it really hard to get a reaction.

Photos below:

1. Rounding facets

2. ECTP results

Photos below:

1. Still easy to punch all the way through the snow pack

2. Low elevations still not filled in. Although an underlaying crust made travel easy, this included my low elevation exit.

3. Turns, get 'em where you can....

I was expecting more of consolidated mid pack as I saw 2 weeks ago in Copleys Canyon at a similar elevation.

If anyone wants to get in touch with me about snow/avalanche questions in SW Utah, I can be reached at [email protected]. I would be happy to walk anyone through the observation process. All observations are appreciated.

Overall a moderate hazard. Any new snow will change this.

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