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Observation: Tony Grove

Observation Date
2/6/2019
Observer Name
weed
Region
Logan » Logan River » Tony Grove
Location Name or Route
Tony Grove Lake Area
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Cold and blustery, with significant drifting from northwest winds, and very cold wind chills in exposed terrain.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2'
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Nice deep powder riding conditions in low angled terrain. No need to ride on the steeper hills, with plenty of deep snow in the meadows and in sheltered terrain at lower and mid elevations.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
I could see evidence of fairly extensive natural avalanching involving loose new snow on steep slopes... I could not see any of the big upper elevation bowls or suspect avalanche paths due to poor visibility.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
I did not see any sign of natural avalanches running on a persistent weak layer, but the recent load of wind drifted snow (with 3.5" SWE in the last 4 days), I am concerned that avalanches releasing on buried persistent weak layers from last week's high pressure are likely in some areas and deep hard slab avalanches are possible.
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
7,500'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments
The surface hoar was saturated by rain on Sunday and it became a crumbly crust, a visible stripe in my snowpit wall.
I could see evidence of lots of loose new snow avalanches in steep terrain around Tony Grove Lake. There was some fresh debris from today's natural activity.
Cornices grew hugely in the past couple days, with drifting of heavy snow from sustained southwest winds.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable