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Observation: Snowbasin Backcountry

Observation Date
11/25/2020
Observer Name
Hardesty and Hjelde
Region
Ogden » Snowbasin Backcountry
Location Name or Route
Snowbasin periphery
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
1"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Variable. Wind, sun, and thermal crusts abound with a trace-2" of rapidly faceting low density snow above.
Snow depths ranged from 1-2'. The thermal crust from last week reaches to the Ogden skyline and is 1-2cm thick and allows for smooth, supportable travel. This crust, however, is becoming more friable and weak.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,000'
Comments
The current weather (cold, clear - 1st pic) has promoted faceting (2nd pic) above and below the mid-Nov thermal crust and slow faceting of the "mid-pack" slab.
In the higher elevations, the basal snow was also starting to facet; whereas the mid/low elevation northerly base remains damp rounds.
I'm not particularly optimistic, but if we see a few inches of snow tonight, one may expect widespread sluffing (fast but low volume) on some of the steepest slopes. Shallow soft drifts also possible depending on amount of snow/wind. I don't think it would change the danger much...
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates