Observation Date
12/19/2018
Observer Name
weed
Region
Logan » Franklin Basin » Hells Kitchen
Location Name or Route
Steep Hollow, Hells Kitchen, SM#3
Comments
I'm still finding a shallowly buried sugary weak layer in the top foot of the snowpack. There may be some areas where this layer is comprised of feathery surface hoar. Although apparently not all that reactive in test pits, it could be a future problem weak layer.
The terrain is well covered by 2 to 4 feet of snow, but that's just not enough yet for riding in steeper rocky terrain. Most of the bowls are not fully "smoothed in" yet, and the underlying terrain gives the snow a lumpy appearance. The snow near rocks, on scoured slopes, and in the trees where it is shallow has become very loose and sugary or faceted. While in general the snow is nice and supportable, you sink in deeply in some spots.
We found mostly stable snow, but there are some new big, hard, and deep drifts at upper elevations. Some of these may be resting on sugary weak snow or even buried surface hoar, and could potentially be triggered. Heightened conditions still on drifted upper elevation slopes, avalanches involving wind drifted snow are possible.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate