Observation: Steam Mill

Observation Date
3/7/2021
Observer Name
brian smith
Region
Logan » Franklin Basin » Steam Mill
Location Name or Route
Steam Mill
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Weather Comments
Wind on 3/6/21 otherwise warm and bluebird.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
There are still a few dry turns on sheltered true north slopes down to 7000ft. Getting harder to find though. The rest of the compass is getting wet and frozen in the am. Corn on the east and south slopes until about noon.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
The only red flags were roller balls on the east and south slopes
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
To check out the facets, I dug a pit to the ground on the shoulder of Steam Mill, 9000ft, NE. There is a total of 225cm (88.5 inches) with the bottom 30cm (12 inches) faceted. I found no other layers of significance and did no stability tests on these very deep facets. This would be a major slide if it went to the ground! It could be a bigger issue in an area of a more shallow pack. See attached video and photo.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate