Observation: Bountiful Peak

Observation Date

2/25/2018

Observer Name

Bo Torrey and Andrew Nassetta

Region

Ogden » Bountiful mountains » Bountiful Peak

Location Name or Route

Bountiful Peak

Weather

Sky

Scattered

Wind Direction

Southwest

Wind Speed

Light

Weather Comments

10" to 18" of new snow above 8000' 4" to 6" of new snow at the parking lot. Moderate W SW winds were drifting snow throughout the day. Cloudy in the morning until about 11am. Sun came out for a few hours mid day. Clouds rolled back in late afternoon.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

14"

New Snow Density

Low

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Snow Characteristics Comments

Great riding conditions. 10" to 18" of new snow.

Red Flags

Recent Avalanches

Heavy Snowfall

Wind Loading

Cracking

Collapsing

Red Flags Comments

Craking and collapsing in the wind loaded areas. Recent avalanches in the area, including naturals and a rider triggered avalanche. Photos below. Avalanche occurred on 2/24/18

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Trend

Same

Problem #1 Comments

The persistent slab avalanches were the most dangerous problem we faced during our day today. A couple centimeters of facets are buried below the snow surface. The depth of this layer varies from area to area. The weak layer averaged 80cm below the surface. We chose to stick to low angle slopes not connected to steeper terrain above or adjacent to us. Over 40" of new snow has fallen in the past 7 days. This new snow has added enough weight to the snowpack to increase the likelihood of triggering one of these 2' to 3' deep avalanches. We did a number of Extended Column Tes'st (ECT). On all of our test we were able to produce propagation of the column. ECTP15, ECTP24, ECTP 17

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

Wind Drifted Snow

Trend

Decreasing Danger

Problem #2 Comments

Easy to identify and avoid steep wind drifter slopes today. Round, pillowy, wind effected slopes were easy to notice large wind slabs on them. Riding conditions on lower angle slopes right now is 5 star. Coverage is improving in this area. Noticed several natural avalanches triggered from cornice falls.

Snow Profile

Aspect

North

Elevation

8,400'

Slope Angle

31°