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Observation: Thomas Fork

Observation Date
4/3/2023
Observer Name
W Ambler
Region
Salt Lake » Neffs » Thomas Fork
Location Name or Route
Thomas Fork
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Weather Comments
Lighter than expected snowfall today led to lower than expected perceived avalanche hazard. However new snow wasn't bonding well and more on the way could spike the danger.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
7"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
In upper Thomas Fork the new snow rode well and blended well into the old snow as far as riding goes. Below 8k melt freeze crusts were increasingly prevalent and the snow totals dwindled. Snow got increasingly heavier with loss of elevation.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
Light winds with maybe the occasional moderate gust led to an absence of wind slabs within the new snow. Precip rates were never more than s1 while I was out.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Small shooting cracks were observed while skinning. Ski cuts and stomps in steep terrain easily released energetic sluffs running on the new/old snow interface. A sluff kicked into Thomas chute later triggered a soft slab which propagated 30+ feet wide breaking within the snow from last night/this am.
Comments
Phone lived in my pack today and didn't take any photos. Poor visibility anyways.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates