Observation: Nordic Valley perimeter

Observation Date
1/21/2024
Observer Name
Hardesty and Adams/NVSP
Region
Ogden » Nordic Valley perimeter
Location Name or Route
Nordic Valley perimeter
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Rain
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Very light rain to 6500'; light rain to 7000' on Saturday.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
1"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Damp to 7000' with a trace of new above this elevation. Lower elevation bands becoming isothermal, although still holding poor structure.
Top of the ski area is 7060'; Ogden skyline above reaches to just over 8000'.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Did not experience cracking or collapsing but the patrol has noted LOTS as recently as yesterday (Saturday). Patrol also triggered avalanches into the December PWL as recently as Friday below 6000'. Wet rollerballs and minor sluffing noted as well as on the NO Divide.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Very poor structure. Warming temps have helped to consolidate the 18-28" thick slab but the facets remain exceedingly weak. Was surprised at the ECTX in the upper higher elevation pit; that said, only one pit. I do think "sensitivity" will be increasingly "stubborn" to trigger an avalanche to the PWL, but it will still be awhile before it becomes dormant. Bottom Line: Dangerous and tricky avalanche conditions still exist on and below steep terrain.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
7,300'
Comments
Thanks to NV ski patrol for their hospitality.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates