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Observation: Lake Peak

Observation Date
2/23/2018
Observer Name
Toddeo
Region
Southwest » Tushers » Lake Peak
Location Name or Route
Tushers - Lake Peak
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Cold day, light snow on and off. Not much new accumulation.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
14"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

HST - 14", light snow.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Some wind loading on east aspects, soft wind slabs up to 6". Some areas of denser wind deposited snow. Some of the wind slabs were hard to isolate. I would assume that there are more of these in the alpine. Poor snow pack structure on all aspects.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Storm slab sitting on top of a weak snow pack.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments

Wind slabs in loaded areas such as east aspects.

Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
10,800'
Slope Angle
20°
Comments

HS - 24" , basal facets are 6" deep and loose, see photo below. suncrust (knife hard, supportable) on top of facets with 18" from last 2 storms.

ECTP15 Q3 at base of crust.

The crust is the only reason I was able to ski in this area.

Photo below: facets.

Photos below:

1. Pit on NW aspect just north of the Eagle Point boundary, HS - 24" 8" of facets sitting below 1 finger crust (wind/warm?) two ECT's, ECTP15 Q3 below crust, and ECTN.

2. Facets.

Photo below: Thin cover bush skiing sprag for a certain UDOT forecaster......

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 the hazard is hard to estimate. I did not see many active, in your face red flags such as cracking and collapsing, but the new snow sitting on top of a weak snow pack combined with ECTP's had me traveling as if it was considerable hazard day. My estimate would be considerable.

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