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Observation: Hells Canyon

Observation Date
1/4/2022
Observer Name
Staples
Region
Ogden » Snowbasin Backcountry » Hells Canyon
Location Name or Route
Hells Canyon
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Weather Comments
Snowfall started around 1300
Snow Characteristics
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow surface has been worked by recent south winds. New snow with the incoming storm should bond well to the old snow surface. The main issue will be characteristics of the new snow and the potential for denser snow (due to wind or increasing temps) on top of lighter snow.
Comments
Went looking to see if old snow exists in Hells Canyon starting zone. Couldn't find it below 8000 feet. By 8600 feet, we found it on a NNE facing slope. Profile and photo below from that location.
It's deeply buried and would be hard to trigger an avalanche on this layer; however, it's still totally possible, and I wouldn't trust it yet...espeically with the potential for 2 inches of water.
Video
Photo below of a location at 7300 feet with no weak layer by the ground.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High
Coordinates