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Observation: South Ridge of Beaver Mountain

Observation Date
3/2/2018
Observer Name
Toby Weed
Region
Logan » Franklin Basin » West Beaver Perimeter » South Ridge of Beaver Mountain
Location Name or Route
South Ridge of Beaver Mountain (Backside)
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Period of moderate snowfall in the early afternoon. Very windy (southwest wind), but diminishing somewhat in the afternoon.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

A bit crusty under the fresh snow on east facing slopes on backside. Pretty good powder conditions in sheltered, shady terrain. Wind affected and drifted snow in exposed terrain.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
8,500'
Slope Angle
27°
Comments

Last week's cold temperatures appear to have caused existing weak faceted layers in areas with shallow snowpack to weaken further.

I was able to easily trigger cracking and sizable cornice falls in drifts in the saddle on the way out the south ridge...

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