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Observation: Brianhead Backcountry

Observation Date
1/30/2023
Observer Name
Dempsey
Region
Southwest » Brian Head Backcountry
Location Name or Route
Brian Head Backcountry
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Speed
Calm
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
South and west to northwest snow surfaces were very wind-affected, with hard surface snow broken up by occasional wind drifts. On north and northeast (and I believe easterly) aspects there was an underlying layer of wind crust and the new snow on top of this cracked as you skied through it. In deeper drifts, on steeper slopes, or above exposure this could be problematic. I believe this is what I was seeing in my pit in my compression test when I had a resistant planar fracture. The bed surface I presume was a wind crust from a previous wind event as that crust lay between two layers of fist hard snow at the top of the snowpack.
With the occasional fog there was some rime on the trees and snow surface.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
In the 5-10 cm of wind-loaded low-density new snow I witnessed cracking on a wind-crust bed surface. I witnessed this on a northeast aspect at the same elevation as my pit.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
In the 5-10 cm of wind-loaded low-density new snow I witnessed cracking on a wind-crust bed surface. I witnessed this on a northeast aspect at the same elevation as my pit.
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
10,800'
Slope Angle
27°
The photo was taken at the top of the Brian Head ridge around 10900 feet. Light wind, cold temps (15 degrees F and falling), rimed up trees from the receding fog, and wind-affected snow.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate