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Observation: Fake Breaks

Observation Date
3/24/2023
Observer Name
Dempsey
Region
Southwest » Cedar Canyon Region » Blowhard Mountain » Fake Breaks
Location Name or Route
Fake breaks
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Grauple and snow showers. Temps low 20s. Strong wind at ridge top.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Powder, graupel surface, areas of wind blown where a sun crust was exposed.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Strong winds at ridge tops. Low to moderate winds elsewhere.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
New snow appears to be bonding well to interface. Punchy sun crust underneath new snow in certain areas (my tour was on a south aspect).
Comments
Wind loading was the only red flag observed on my tour on a south facing aspect between 9500 and 10500 feet.
Wind loading. This cornice appears to be primarily formed from south winds. The winds during my tour, however, were from the west/northwest.
More cornices and snow surfaces.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate