Observation: Woolley Hole

Observation Date
1/3/2024
Observer Name
Gagne
Region
Provo » American Fork » Timpooneke » Woolley Hole
Location Name or Route
Timpanogos - Woolly Hole
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
15-45 cms (6-18") between 6,500 - 8,000'
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Comments
Wandered up into the north end of Timpanogos, but only made it to 8,000' due to access issues with low coverage. Thin coverage below 8,000' and the snowpack was rotten with depth hoar. Even in areas with temperature and rain crusts, the crusts are deteriorating. Photos of upper elevations show decent coverage, but it is likely faceted.
The Provo-area mountains may not do as well with this series of (hopefully) upcoming storms, but given how weak the current snowpack is, even modest amounts are likely to increase avalanche danger.
Photos of Woolly Hole and Giant Staircase from Timpanooeke.
Photos of surface hoar and depth hoar gouging down to the ground
Southeast aspects showing little to no coverage at the mid elevations. If storms do deliver over the next week, aspects holding weak snow will be dangerous and it will be important to know which slopes currently do not hold any snow as those will be safer options.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates