Observation: Bob's Knob

Observation Date
1/22/2024
Observer Name
Champion/Mamrol
Region
Provo » Provo Canyon » Timpanogos » Bob's Knob
Location Name or Route
Bob's Knob
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
The weather today was generally overcast but warm. The sun made a brief appearance in the morning, followed by the gradual movement of high clouds throughout the afternoon. There was no precipitation throughout the day, but trees were shedding both water and snow significantly. The wind was light to moderate along ridgelines, with some noticeable transport.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
1"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
The snow surface was generally damp at all elevations we traveled, between both the rain at lower elevations and about 1" of new damp snowfall at mid-elevations. There was no obvious melt freeze crust, as temperatures seemed to have remained warm in the Provo area. '
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The snowpack structure remains poor, and with the warm temperatures and recent rain, I decided to investigate the dampness of facets on northerly facing terrain at lower elevations. Although the facets at the ground were damp and could be easily formed into a snowball, they were still extreme weakness, resulting in an ECTP21 all the way to the ground. The warm temperatures and water may contribute to improving the snowpack eventually, it is currently just as suspect.
I would continue monitoring this layer where the facets are damp, looking for ECT scores to increase and activity to decrease.
Pit on lower elevation Bob's Knob - NE 7590' - Overcast - Calm - No Precip - HS: 115
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
There was obvious signs of recent wet snow activity, primarily small point releases below rock bands and terrain features.
Point releases off of Bob's Knob
Additonal point releases above Aspen Grove
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
7,600'
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates