Observation Date
12/18/2018
Observer Name
Meisenheimer / Kobernik
Region
Skyline » Ephraim Canyon
Location Name or Route
Ephraim Canyon to Lowry Fork
Comments
Overall the Skyline has a decent snowpack, with average depth of 2-4' feet littered across the range. The slopes that face north remain the biggest concern as they have weak sugar snow at the ground. The good news! as you move to more sunny slopes you loose this sugar snow and the snowpack looks good in terms of stability. The east facing slopes have a very thin layer (1-2") of sugar snow right at the ground. However, this layer on the east facing slopes seems to be gaining strength and not an issue at the moment.
The snowpack is supportable and the riding/travel is easy through the terrain. Of course, it's not open season and rocks and stumps remain the biggest issue with riding. The winds from last Wednesday (December 12th) have certainly taken their toll to the snow surface. Riding is variable, sorta like being on the moon! in some areas there is a stout wind crust and in other areas there is soft supportable riding.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate