Observation: Cascade Ridge

Observation Date
3/5/2018
Observer Name
Staples, Covington, Woodruff
Region
Provo » Cascade Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cascade Saddle
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
West
Weather Comments
Very cold day but brief moments of sunshine reminded me how strong the March sun can be.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments

The recent natural avalanche confirmed the persistent slab avalanche problem.

Comments

We dug a pit near the recent avalanche on an adjacent slope further below the ridge. Total snow depth varied but was maybe 1.5m on average. There is an obvious layer of facets just below a dust layer that is very easy to find. We did an Extended Column Test on this layer. It broke on 22 taps, propagated across the whole column, and quickly slid into my snowpit hole (ECTP22). For data collection and future research, we performed a PST which propagated to the end of a 100 cm column after cutting 30 cm into the weak layer (PST end 30/100), see photo below.

Beautiful views when the clouds would part. Photo below of Timpanogos taken from the south.

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