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Observation: Copenhagen Basin

Observation Date
12/23/2022
Observer Name
Staples & Rasmussen
Region
Logan » Southeast Idaho » Copenhagen Basin
Location Name or Route
Copenhagen Basin
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Weather Comments
Felt very coastal. Clouds/fog started around 8000 ft. Moisture in the air at that elevation as freezing onto my goggles (see photo below)
Snow Characteristics
Snow Characteristics Comments
Dense powder with some hard drifts in places from recent strong wind event. Needles, limbs, and trees were down everywhere.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
It wasn't hard to find collapsing which occurred maybe 4-5 times for us. When riding a sled, the way you can know is if you see all the saplings wiggle as you ride up.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
We round a widespread layer of surface hoar on top of the mid-November facets. It produced collapsing and consistent ECTP's with scores of 10, 13, 18, & 25
This layer is buried 16 to 30 inches deep.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,200'
Slope Angle
23°
Comments
There is a slight layer of dust in a hard layer of snow just above the weak layer. This if from strong south winds Nov 30 and Dec 1. Lots of traction on this hard layer with snow right side up above it except for some slightly denser powder from this weeks strong west winds.
Video
Photos below of moisture in the air freezing onto my goggles. Also many many downed trees and debris on top of the snow.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates