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Observation: Electric Lake

Observation Date
1/2/2023
Observer Name
Magerl
Region
Skyline » Huntington Canyon » Electric Lake
Location Name or Route
North of Electric Lake
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Weather Comments
Wind was more noticeable than yesterday, but still not much of a concern for today's comfort. It was clearly, easily moving the light snow, especially at noon at the top of an east-facing ridge. Wind swung often from NW to SW. Visibility was usually bad.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Impressive snow depth. We were excited three weeks ago to find 95cm in these locations. Today we found 170cm to 180cm. Unlike yesterday's heavy cream, this was pure Utah powder, low density. Skied and skinned on aspects including south, southwest, north, northeast and northwest. All had a very, very slight wind crust. Elevations ranged from 8,500' to 9,200'. Skinning was mostly a treat, sometimes a minor wallow-fest. Turns were outstanding.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
Dug a pit 22 days ago on north-facing at 8,900 feet and was very concerned to find the bottom 35cm (total depth 95cm) totally rotten loose sugar. Same location today, total depth now 170cm, and the snow at the bottom 35cm is still the same rotten loose sugar. In this location I found no evidence of the PWL healing, despite three weeks and 75cm of extra snow. Completely different finding from yesterday's west-facing at 8,600', where the weak snow at the base seemed to be starting to gain some strength.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High
Coordinates