Observation: Powder Mountain Backcountry

Observation Date
12/16/2018
Observer Name
Nathan Chaszeyka, Jeff Turner
Region
Ogden » Powder Mountain Backcountry
Location Name or Route
Powder Mountain periphery
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Weather was beautiful. A great day to be out and about in the mountains.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Skiing was decent on settled and dense surface snow. Grabby in times where sun has effected the surface layer.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
While not noted in our location, significant wind loading and whumpfing was noted for others in areas near ours.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Wind slabs were noted in nearby locations and were the main problem for consideration on the day. We did not see any indication of wind transport in our area of travel, but this is largely due to forested protection on many aspects adjacent to our location. Problem could potentially increase with winds from the incoming, but weak system.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
There are still facets lurking in the snow from the early season. While these appear to be healing in many locations, skiing the wrong slope at the right time can still be rewarded with trouble. Low probability, high consequence.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
8,400'
Slope Angle
11°
Comments
Our pit profile was dug just outside the resort boundary in the Bobcat Ridge area. In this area the snowpack looked great and certainly indicated an improving trend. Our compression test did show a break on the last hit (CTH30), but this result was not replicated on our ECT (ECTX).
Social media displayed a number of folks stepping into steeper terrain. While there don't seem to have been any avalanches accidents, I think that Mark White's post indicates that the danger isn't gone and thoughts about steeper terrain should be done with heavy consideration. It's mid-December, and the season is young. I think folks are getting antsy after last year's bad season. I'm encouraging my friends to take their time and not get rushed into anything. The steep stuff will be there. We are just getting started.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate