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Observation: Ant Knolls

Observation Date
1/24/2024
Observer Name
Ryan Shea
Region
Provo » Snake Creek » Ant Knolls
Location Name or Route
Snake Creek / Ant Knolls
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
bottom 35-40cm faceted with upper portion of those facets gaining some strength.
There is 90-100 cm of very well connected slab sitting above this faceted ground layer that failed upon isolation. Consistent collapsing past few days while riding snake creek and guardsmens pass area
20 cm of newer snow sits on top of that slab, offering great riding and seemingly well supported unless you trigger a shallower area
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Snow getting damp around 3pm, with some roller balls starting to move. No wet slides observed
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
9,300'
Comments
95 cm slab (1-2 F), just below recent snow (25cm) failed on 40 cm of decomposing crusts and faceted early season snow - ECTPV
Observed collapsing frequently riding Snake Creek and Guardsmen area the past few days
Slab is supportive, so would require some effort or weight to trigger, but hitting a shallower pocket of snow could be the trigger and would releease 4-5' of snow. Be careful out there.
Video 1
Video 2
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates