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Observation: Gibson Basin

Observation Date
4/6/2023
Observer Name
Davis/Jeppson
Region
Logan » Southeast Idaho » Beaver Creek Canyon » Gibson Basin
Location Name or Route
Beaver Creek-Gibson basin
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
I'm the high exposed terrain this is a lot of wind loaded slopes (added weight) on easterly through northerly slopes.
Avalanche Problem #2
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
We saw a small slide on a east facing aspect at around 8400ft (see pics below) with the added wind loading from recent storms combined with the spring heat this could be problematic moving fwd.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
8,400'
Comments
We dug a pit on a North by Northwest facing aspect at about 8400ft. Though we did not get propagation with our ECT (Exteneded column test ECTX) we found two worrisome weak layers. One at 30 cm's from the surface (graupel see first pic) and another at about 100 cm's which appeared to be some light faceting (see second pic) both broke with a clean shear with pressure from the shovel. The snow surface is/was very wet, dense and heavy which could lead into wet avalanches. It's April, the sun is high, and most aspects are now getting sunlight and warmth. Use caution!
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable