Observation: Snowbasin

Observation Date
4/21/2020
Observer Name
Derek DeBruin
Region
Ogden » Snowbasin
Location Name or Route
Snowbasin
Weather
Weather Comments
Calm, clear, sunny, and WARM.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow cover is getting patchy down low at Snowbasin. Sardine Peak is almost totally dry. Ben Lomond east side approaches require a fair amount of walking, and the south face is dry below 7,000ft. There's still skiing up high for the intrepid, but you gotta want it.
Melt freeze crust as expected. Didn't note any loose snow that might be available for wind transport. The overnight surface freeze was pretty weak. Coupled with quick warming, the corn cycle started early, and I imagine wet avalanches would do the same.
Comments
Wet avalanches are the big concern for the time being. Timing is everything. Today I noted significant avalanche activity for the first time recently in the high due north terrain. Adding to the list, Mount Ogden Chute and Hell's Canyon now have significant and sizeable avalanche debris. Again, timing is everything. Better to be early and wait than to be late and go for a ride in the concrete on your way to some rocks. Plus, the skiing is more fun if you're not sinking in past your ankles with every turn.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None