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Observation: Red Pine Ridge

Observation Date
12/12/2023
Observer Name
Weed, Pagnucco
Region
Logan » Left Hand Fork-Blacksmith Fork » Richards Hollow » Red Pine Ridge
Location Name or Route
Red Pine Ridge
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
East
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Uncomfortable, moderate East winds all day, coupled with fog and moist air made for a chilly tour in exposed terrain above 8500'. Below, the winds were calm and temps fairly mild.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Rain-Rime Crust
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Still getting moderate ECTP (13) in NNW facing high elevation terrain at top of basal facets. The 2-3mm facets are buried under a fairly stout 3-4 feet of snow.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Some upper-elevation areas still have poor snowpack structure. I would not trust steep terrain with snow that you sink through to the ground if you step off the sled or where you can stick your ski pole all the way through the snowpack and through weak snow near the ground.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Winds blowing from the east picked up steam this afternoon and could form fresh drifts on lee slopes and in and around terrain features.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
9,000'
Slope Angle
20°
Comments
This snow on an east facing slope near the Card Canyon weather station looks pretty stable, with the basal weak layer at the very bottom of the snowpack hardening and brushy
Video
The weak faceted snow we found near the ground on the 9000' north-northwest facing slope
The Card Canyon weather station is looking good and working well!
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates