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Observation: Hells Kitchen

Observation Date
2/7/2021
Observer Name
Thompson
Region
Logan » Franklin Basin » Hells Kitchen
Location Name or Route
Hells Kitchen Canyon
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Noted what appeared to be a few recent avalanches of recently wind drifted snow along the Naomi Wilderness ridge line, E aspects, 9500'. One just south of Doubletop, another potentially larger one south of Naomi Peak. E facing slopes looked smooth and wind loaded.
Flagging along some of the higher elevation ridge tops, still some snow being actively transported during the day today.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Dug a pit at 8500'/NE. ECTN12 and ECTN15 on hardness changes in the upper half of the snow pack. I was particularly interested in the facet layers in the bottom half of the pack so decided on a PST. PST 30/100 End on the well developed facets about 50 cm from the ground. Facet/slab interface can still propagate a failure when given a chance.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
8,500'
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable