Observation: Franklin Basin

Observation Date

1/11/2023

Observer Name

Richie Schumacher

Region

Logan » Franklin Basin

Location Name or Route

Franklin Basin

Weather

Sky

Obscured

Precipitation

Light Snowfall

Wind Direction

West

Wind Speed

Moderate

Weather Comments

The day started with S1 snowfall and light winds with gusts to moderate. As the day progressed, the snowfall lessened and the wind picked up to moderate with blowing snow and wind loading evident.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

15"

New Snow Density

High

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Snow Characteristics Comments

A lot of heavy snow and wind drifting/ loading throughout the zone that made travel difficult both on the sled and while hiking. Mostly high density new snow on surface with pockets of soft wind slab formation.

Red Flags

Heavy Snowfall

Wind Loading

Cracking

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

New high density snow depths ranged from 15-24" with wind transport. Cracking noted several feet out from skis in isolated areas of soft wind slab development. In pit on NE slope, facet layer (pictured) near ground is still present and soft (F), although buried deeply (150+cm).

Snow Profile

Aspect

Northeast

Elevation

7,800'

Slope Angle

24°