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Observation: Providence Canyon

Observation Date
1/7/2024
Observer Name
Toby Weed
Region
Logan » Providence Canyon
Location Name or Route
Providence Canyon
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Cold temps keeping snow nice
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
19"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Great knee-deep powder riding on a supportable base.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Previous wind loading (yesterday), with fairly calm conditions in most places today. Snowfall was tapering off to showers. I noticed one shallow slab avalanche above the warming hut, off Providence Peak Southeast facing, 9400'. There was also evidence of small loose avalanches or sluffs on very steep slopes at all elevations.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Wind drifted snow failing on a shallowly buried PWL of faceted snow.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Southeast
Elevation
9,100'
Slope Angle
17°
Comments
Cracking as I broke trail on skis.
Sugary, faceted snow in the obvious weak layer above a thin but hard melt-freeze crust
The recent snow (since the snow started falling again ranges from 30 to 50 cms deep (that's 1+ to 2 feet)
Shart video shows a stability test on the north shoulder of Logan Peak.
Video
We found super nice powder riding conditions at upper elevations. You could still feel underlying tracks and a supportable base, but deep powder and nice riding was hard not to enjoy.
While the danger was MODERATE on most slopes, there were areas where it was more dangerous and CONSIDERABLE where wind previously drifted snow. These areas were not obvious, as the wind slabs were buried under today's powder.
Additional drifting of today's fresh snow caused by an increase or shift in the wind direction will cause dangerous conditions to be more widespread.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates