Observation: Beaver Mountain Backcountry

Observation Date
12/11/2022
Observer Name
weed
Region
Logan » Beaver Mountain Backcountry
Location Name or Route
Beaver Mt. Backcountry, Backside
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
snow heavy at times as the day went on
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Increasing danger of dangerous slab avalanches failing on widespread persistent weak layer as heavy snow and drifting from this storm adds weight to slopes with poor snow structure.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
The most dangerous areas are where the wind has drifted snow into hard or soft slabs on slopes with buried persitent weak layers.
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
7,300'
Slope Angle
12°
Comments
I dug several snowpits to test the snow. The areas with the worst structure and weakest persistent weak layer had shallow snow cover. Low and mid-elevation slopes and shallow, and shallow windward facing areas at upper elevations. Here are a couple more snowpits....
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable