Observation Date
1/10/2022
Observer Name
Champion/Nassetta/Krusinga
Region
Provo » Snake Creek » Ant Knolls
Location Name or Route
Ant Knolls
Comments
Headed out to Ant Knolls to check out the snowpack structure on the Wasatch Back. Found a generally similar snowpack to that of the central Cottonwoods, perhaps a bit shallower, with snowpack depths between 140cm - 190cm, a large 4F to 1F slab with the bottom 35-45cm being well developed 2-4mm facets. Across the board, we found generally weakening snow on the surface or developing surface hoar. We dug in multiple areas, first true N facing at 8500' and then NW facing at 9410'. While both had pretty much identical poor snowpack structures and depths, 145-155cm deep, both got no results within the stability tests - ECTX. This is starting to further confirm the idea that we are beginning to trend in the direction of dormancy of these weak faceted grains, but currently they still very much exist. I would still be nervous about stepping into steep north-facing terrain, while the likelihood is certainly decreasing that a large 1F slab still exists on the faceted grains and the consequences are still high.
General hand hardness of the snowpack structure on the Wasatch Back. NW facing slope at 9410' - snowpack depth of 145cm.
The areas that I would be most concerned about are those that have a thinner snowpack, perhaps a bit more wind-scoured atop the facets, or repeater slopes. There were multiple areas in which we could see old crowns and repeater slopes that have been filled back in since the last avalanche and storm cycle. As we continue to trend towards a lower danger across the range, I would keep repeater slopes in mind. A good way to keep a mental note of slopes that have previously slid would be looking through the recent avalanches and observations, or by looking for obvious signs such as old crowns or debris piles in the trees.
Photo of a faint crown that has filled back in on a North facing Slope.
Folks beginning to ski/sled larger slopes in the Ant Knolls area.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates