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Observation: Snake Creek

Observation Date
12/13/2018
Observer Name
B
Region
Provo » Snake Creek
Location Name or Route
Snake Creek Canyon
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Moderate WNW winds on the ridge lines with Light winds getting down into the drainages. Light wind blown observed. Temperatures were around 0 degrees F in the early am and rose rapidly to upper 20's at 9000.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
7"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
The solar was able to dampen the direct S faces around 1030 and m/f crusts were forming by 1200. Wind damage widespread in the upper alpine on SW, W, NW and N aspects. Down off the ridge lines dense powder was found and decent turning was available. Bottom feeding was the rule due to the crusts on the southerly aspects. Down lower on the northerly facing aspects the riding was good, but more dense due to the extreme cold temps and wind packing of Wednesdays snow event.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
HS in upper elevation north facing terrain in the Pioneer drainage back in the BCC was at least 150 cm. HST was 18 cm. Basal facets still appear to be loose and showing weaknesses despite lack of reactivity. Of note, another concern is now the SE upper elevation aspects that have a m/f crust below the new snow with moderate sized facets below this crust. Also, there was Radiation Recrystallization occurring on slopes that were around 30 degrees steepness on southerly aspects.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
See natural avalanche report from north ridge of Sunset
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
See above, and waiting for the next substantial load.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate