Observation Date
12/6/2019
Observer Name
brian smith
Region
Ogden » Ogden Mountains
Location Name or Route
Ogden Mountains up to 9000 ft.
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Nice day in the mountains with no wind and mostly clear skies.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
The four inches from yesterday made for nice turning above 8000ft. Damp and sloppy below 7500.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Above 8300 I was able to find the depth hoar. No other red flags seen.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
The depth hoar from the October snow is found above 8300ft. and only in protected areas where the October snow was preserved from sun and wind. You can find it with a quick pole probe or 'arm pit' pit. With a pit to ground the depth hoar failed with ECT 15 and with a clean propagation. Snow total of 33 inches at 8700ft.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #2 Comments
Soft wind slab that was not sensitive.
Comments
photo of sastrugi
video of depth hoar from old October snow.
Video
Nice turning on dry snow above 8000ft. The 6 inches of depth hoar was evident at 8700ft. It failed with an ECT 15 with high quality. I believe it could be an issue with eneough of a load which I did not see today. Doing pits on the same slope, the depth hoar ended at 8300ft. I did not see any other red flags either.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
