Observation Date
1/15/2023
Observer Name
Nathan Chaszeyka/Greg Steele
Region
Provo » Cascade Ridge
Location Name or Route
Cascade
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Wind speeds were mostly "light" but had periods that were too long to be classified as gusts where the wind speeds pushed into "moderate." Snowfall was continual throughout the day at about 1" per hour.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
The new snow was very wet and will likely adhere to the old snow well.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Snowfall rates were ~1" per hour. The snow came in warm and wet saturating clothing and packs quickly, but more noticeably causing glopping on skins. Test slopes showed cracking and slab formation in the new snow but in our evaluations did not seem to have energy, yet. We decided not to venture further into exposed terrain and called it a day after 3hrs.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Winds were variable throughout the day. While we remained in lower elevation/treeline areas, there was enough wind and new snow combination to allow for transport even at these elevations. It is certain that up higher the wind and new snow combination would create potential for wind slab problems.
Comments
Unfortunately the heavy snowfall saturated my phone and my photos did not produce images that were valuable for submission. The new snowfall will likely caused increased avalanche danger tomorrow.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates
