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Observation: Alpine Loop

Observation Date
12/5/2022
Observer Name
Erik F
Region
Provo » Provo Canyon » North Fork Provo R. » Alpine Loop
Location Name or Route
Aspen Grove Area
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
The Provo area's lower and mid elevation snowpack is still early season, but starting to get more active as we accumulate snow. Walking in meadows, I had localized collapsing and cracking at the skis. At 8250' I was digging a handpit and experienced a large collapse. Cracks propagated above at 10' and 20' away. Top crack was approx. 15' wide. Clear results in the snow profile test. CT5 Q1. ECTP15. I have a feeling if I had time for more ECT's that I would have more sensitive results.
Boot penetration to the ground just about everywhere. Usually to about my thigh.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
8,400'
Comments
Time to poke around and see how 40cm of recently accumulated snow was sitting on the persistent weak layer. At mid elevations we have approximately 50cm of faceted snow to the ground. There are two breakable crusts above that, with rounding facets in between those layers (see snow profile). The faceted layer of concern does not show signs of healing at the moment. Hoping for lots of snow to bury it.
HS is 90cm at mid elevations. HN24 was 10cm at the trailhead, 15cm at 7250', and 20cm at 8450'. Winds were calm to light most the day, closing in on moderate on the ridgeline at 8700'. Snow transport was observed. Snow precipitation was fluctuating from NO to T to S1 throughout the day. Lower elevation snow had a damp feeling to it, transitioning to drier snow at approximately 7800' (pretty typical for this zone).
Quite a bit of graupel mixed in the top half of the snowpack right now.
Note to locals: plenty of moose activity already this season. While they seem tamer than in the past (NEVER BET ON THIS!), I would proceed with caution especially if you have dogs with you who tend to chase wildlife. I've observed a bull in the area, but more serious, a cow and her calf. I've seen them on the Alpine Loop itself and on top of Bob's.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable