Observation: Powder Mountain

Observation Date
11/9/2022
Observer Name
Hardesty and Powder Mountain Snow Safety
Region
Ogden » Powder Mountain
Location Name or Route
Powder Mountain
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
20"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Ogden mountains also hammered by this storm with snow and wind. Rough estimate of 20" and 2.34"SWE. Rain level from Monday 11/7 estimated at 6800'.
Dense and surfy graupel. Excellent supportable snow with 3' on the ground at 9000'.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Poor snow structure - see below.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,900'
Comments
Evidence of natural cornice fall triggering shallow size 1 soft slabs of windblown snow to the lee of ridges and subridges. Easy to initiate the same.
15cm of damp small facets (4F) are at the ground level. Facets are small, warm, and damp. ECTX........HOWEVER, two PSTs suggest potentially unstable snow (see profile above). With significant snow and wind loading, we stayed on low angle terrain but this layer will be something to watch. No cracking or collapsing noted.
PST - note position of saw.
For Thursday, wind and new snow instabilities will still exist. The buried facets should continue to be monitored with caution recommended in steep northerly terrain.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates