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Observation: Powder Mountain Backcountry

Observation Date
12/9/2023
Observer Name
Gagne/Duvernay
Region
Ogden » Powder Mountain Backcountry
Location Name or Route
Powder Mountain Backcountr
Weather
Sky
Clear
Weather Comments
Perfectly calm. Clear skies in the morning led to some passing mid-level clouds in the afternoon.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
HS (height of snow) averages a meter (40") above 8,400'
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Slopes facing west/north/east have a weak PWL in the bottom of the snowpack. We dug several pits on these aspects between 8,200 and 9,400 and every extended column test failed on isolation or at most 22 taps:
8,700 NE ECTPV (failed on isolation)
8,900' NE ECTP21
9,000 NE ECTP22
9,400' E ECTP21
9,000 W ECTPV x 2 (repeated the test and it failed again on isolation)
Most failures were occurring 20-30 cms above the ground in a layer of facets that formed following the Thanksgiving storm and was subsequently buried over the few storms the past few weeks.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
8,700'
Comments
In all our travels today, we had no collapsing which indicates the PWL is gaining strength and adjusting to the load. Still, the poor snowpack structure is a concern and from what we saw today, still needs more time to adjust.
The two photos show:
- the poor snowpack structure of strong snow over weak snow;
- the location of the faceted layer where our fractures were occurring.
Huge thanks to the snow safety team at Powder Mountain for working with us today to access backcountry terrain adjacent to the resort. The UAC greatly values our partnership with all snow safety professionals.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates