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Observation: Steam Mill Peak

Observation Date
2/28/2021
Observer Name
Pagnucco
Region
Logan » Logan River » Steam Mill » Steam Mill Peak
Location Name or Route
Steam Mill Peak
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Crisp winter day in the mountains. Finally looks like winter. Cold in the shade, warm in the sun. Frosty clouds were building in higher elevations around 3pm.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
20"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow a bit recrystallized with last night's clearing and cold temps. Snow was lighter and faster in the shady zones and a bit denser and heavier in exposed/sunny locations. The high sun angel had its way with S facing terrain.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Did not experience any red flags. We stuck to low angle terrain both ascending and descending. Saw a repeater avalanche in Check Your Pants down low off White Pine Knob. (see Avalanches). We are at the point now where it'll be very difficult to trigger the PWL through the deep slab. Maybe more likely if you hit a shallow spot. Low probability high consequence. Seems like all parties we spoke to and observed stuck to low angle terrain. Had a few CT's in the new snow.
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
8,900'
Slope Angle
21°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates