Join us at our 2nd Annual Blizzard Ball
Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Weather Place Names Map Archives
Education
Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills On-Snow Courses Resources and Tutorials
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Observation: Ephraim Canyon

Observation Date
2/18/2023
Observer Name
Kobernik, Kelly
Region
Skyline » Ephraim Canyon
Location Name or Route
Ephraim Canyon
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Clear skies calm winds picked up to light gusting to moderate in the afternoon from the southwest.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
No new snow. Westerly basins had softer snow than the easterly basins. Winds were blowing harder along the ridgetops the further south we traveled. Not a lot of snow transport noted on the ridges. Noted one wind-drifted snow pocket related to a corniced location on an east facing aspect at 10,200' in Upper Little Pete's Hole.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Normal Caution
Problem #1 Comments
Normal caution was the primary avalanche hazard.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Gliding Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
We observed a few glide cracks that had opened up on steep terrain with rocky bed surfaces. Photo of Glide Cracks opening up in Pleasant Creek (From field day on February 17, 2023).
We also saw glide cracks opening up in Manti Canyon (Middle Fork, Cottonwood Creek), Coal Fork,
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
10,300'
Slope Angle
Unknown
Comments
Quick snowpit on a north facing slope at 10,500' . The height of snow was 230cm (7.5 feet) We had 2 ECTN (extended column tests) with non-planar results (no propagation) about a foot below the snow surface on some snow that faceted last week during a period of clear cold weather. Shovel tilt results showed 2 clean shears in the top foot of the snow without propagation. These results are not currently a concern in regards to avalanche issues.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates