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Observation: Franklin Basin

Observation Date
3/16/2022
Observer Name
Richie Schumacher
Region
Logan » Franklin Basin
Location Name or Route
Franklin Basin
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Light snowfall with some 1mm graupel on and off throughout the day, more at higher elevations, but maybe 1-2cm accumulation at most where we were at. Wind was also increasing throughout the day with a little blowing snow observed.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
About 2" of new snow overnight sitting on top of a varying crust on all aspects. Snow above 8500' seemed to be staying dry and cold, while lower down snow was hotter and getting thicker throughout the day.
Comments
Dug a couple hand pits down to the facet layer (not the ground) to see how things are shaping up near the surface. I found lots of varying crusts in this zone ranging from decomposing and unsupportable to super stout and supportable to thin and pencil to knife hard. It seemed like this was a mixture of melt-freeze and wind crusts. The facet layer was still fist hard, but seemed to be slightly harder than elsewhere and beginning the rounding process. No collapsing, cracking, or other red flags or signs of avalanche activity noted.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable