Observation: Monte Cristo

Observation Date
12/14/2019
Observer Name
Mike Fogg
Region
Ogden » Monte Cristo
Location Name or Route
Near Monte Cristo Peak (Rich County)
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Moderate winds with some higher gusts consistent snow most of the morning to mid day low visibility, tried to stay in and near the trees
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
10"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Very good riding on the top 18in. in some areas we would break throgh and hit some older snow with little traction.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
at about 16cm off the ground we found an ice layer. I would suspect this to take a long time to change within the snowpack and I intend to be looking at this layer for some time throught out the season.
the recent snow and wind indiacte an increasing danger today as more weight is being put onto this persistant weak layer
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Lots of new snow. Boot penetration about 15cm. the new snow was lighter than i expected and from my observations consistant in desity. I partially expected it to be "up side down" or heavier on top of lighter snow.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Southeast
Elevation
8,900'
Slope Angle
27°
Comments
Hey look at that I was able to get the snowpilot image to upload this time. We dug this one on a south east face where the snow resting on the ground seems to be fairly stable. the icy melt freeze crust at 16cm is the layer that responded to both the Column Test (CT22)and Extended Column Test (ECTP16). In this location we had great riding and snow coverage to enjoy.
Video
This video attempts to show a very subtle propagation. I have watched it multiple times and have slowed it down, but I still don’t see it in the video. My onsite observation was that it did indeed propagate but it was difficult to tell I even asked my partners if they saw it, and they were unsure. When I pulled on the ECT to did come off with a Q2 sheer at the suspect persistent weak layer. I had a hard time calling it a ECTP 14. However in the end that is what I believe I observed so that’s what it shall be.
Video
Low visability snowing with moderate winds
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates