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Observation: Steam Mill Peak

Observation Date
1/28/2021
Observer Name
brian smith
Region
Logan » Franklin Basin » Hells Kitchen » Steam Mill Peak
Location Name or Route
Steam Mill Peak
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
SW winds have loaded slopes on exposed ridges.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Up at the Steam Mill yurt for the past three days. 2 inches yesterday and 2 inches by 1pm today (1/29/21), reasonably light density above 7500 ft. We were able to make turns on 20-25deg slopes and avoided upper elevation wind loaded slopes.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
Some cracking was seen over the past two days.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
As seen in the video, I did not get any results with ECT but the entire column came out with a sheer. With the next snow load coming in I would be concerned about being at the tipping point with regards to slab and failure. Super weak snowpack in the Steam Mill area, weaker than I have seen in the Ogden Mts. recently.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Normal Caution
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
On East slopes as seen in the last part of the video, there is a very thin sun or melt crust with near surface facets under this crust. Cracks and test slopes failed here.
Comments
Generally weak snow, step off of your skis and you go to the bottom. The near surface facets are under a thin crust on sun exposed slopes and very localized.
Video
Video showing 110 cm of total snow at 8800 ft on a 30 deg. NE slope. I could not get a fracture or propagation with ECT but with a shovel shear the whole block comes out on the large basil layer facets. Also seen is a test slope and the failure of an 8 inch slab on near surface facets below a thin crust. The new snow today was dense and I would be concerned about this tipping the balance with regards to the PWL failing producing deep slides.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High