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Observation: Steam Mill Peak

Observation Date
2/25/2018
Observer Name
brian smith
Region
Logan » Franklin Basin » Hells Kitchen » Steam Mill Peak
Location Name or Route
steam mill peak area
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
At the steammill yurt since thursday with about 10 inches of new snow during that time. The winds have blown at times strong out of the North as well as the SW cross loading many open slopes.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
10"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Classic dry, cold, light powder on all aspects of the compass with the exception of some shallow wind slab in exposed areas.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
did not see any natural slides, cracking or collapsing
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments

Sensitive wind slab in exposed areas. See video below. This was soft slab on a southeast 35 deg. slope at 8100ft. While most of the wind has loaded north slopes there was still wind loaded slopes around the compass!

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments

Poor structure deep in the snow pack but with testing a could not get a failure. Worrisome all the same.

Comments

video of ski cutting wind slab.

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