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Observation: Timpooneke

Observation Date
1/24/2019
Observer Name
Wilson, Hardesty
Region
Provo » American Fork » Timpooneke
Location Name or Route
Corner Pocket
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Came looking for evidence of an avalanche cycle....stayed for the phenomenal skiing
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Provo went through a natural cycle earlier, but on our tour out of Pine Hollow there was no evidence of avalanching with this last storm. Little wind effect where we toured, but clouds moving fast from West over ridge lines suggest transport in upper elevations. Warming on solar aspects was enough for roller balls and a crust up to at least 8,600', but not for wet loose activity.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Southeast
Elevation
7,400'
Slope Angle
24°
Comments
Big picture: Deep and strengthening snowpack. southeast pits did not show mid-pack or upper-pack weakness. They had poor structure with ambiguous stability test results on moist rounding facets 35cm from the ground.
Specifically:
Lower pit ESE 7400', HS 135cm. ECTN down 8cm and 30cm, both at interfaces between storms. ECTP20 down 95cm on moist (almost wet) facets.
Upper pit E 8500', HS 140. CT Easy on same moist grains.
Below:
1. Snowpack depth looking good for low elevation, Provo area. Exits are easy.
2. Silky skiing on top of buried avalanche debris in the "Corner Pocket" next to the Wooly hole; the last two rounds of snow seemed to have mostly stayed on the slopes.
Bonus Picture:
High north facing slide from upper LCC, taken on 1/22. Slide appears to have failed near the ground, and reminds us that despite the deepening and strengthening snowpack, facets are not yet in the rearview.
Hazard seemed moderate where we skied today, but our elevation band was limited: 6800' to 8600'.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates