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Observation: Ant Knolls

Observation Date
1/17/2023
Observer Name
Champion
Region
Provo » Snake Creek » Ant Knolls
Location Name or Route
Ant Knolls
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Broken skies throughout the day. Visibility went in and out of the clouds, with periods of sun breaking through. By the early afternoon, it was snowing.
Comments
Great riding conditions and deep snow. Checked out the Wasatch back to see if it more closely represented the upper cottonwoods, or periphery zone similar to the Park City Ridgeline or Millcreek. Was pleasantly surprised to find overall deep snow depths.
Heights of Snow:
East Aspect - 8430' - 305cm
Southeast Aspect - 8110' - 212cm
West Aspect - 8360' - 195cm
Once I found snow depths over 175cm, I was primarily looking at the upper 50cm interface, to see if there was sensitivity within the new snow densities and stellars, but was unable to get any propagation and only really collapsed directly below the shovel blade as it collapsed the column. Moving forward, the primary concern will no longer be the November facets but instabilities within the new soft snow. Even a small bump in winds could easily drift this light snow.
We did note a few loose dry avalanches below steep rock features, but no signs of recent crowns or soft slab avalanches even when the visibility increased.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates