Observation: American Fork

Observation Date
2/2/2024
Observer Name
Katz/McCartney
Region
Provo » American Fork
Location Name or Route
Baker Fork
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
This morning (20240202) began with patchy fog, obscured skies, and light to moderate snowfall. A break in the action beginning around 1230 brought periods of sun, lower PI rates, and apparent greenhousing. Winds remained light from the WSW throughout.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow began as dense, rimed snow, and became heavy and wet as a result of apparent greenhousing beginning around 1230.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
9,400'
Slope Angle
33°
Comments
Travels today include a ride from Snake Creek and a ski tour in upper American Fork. At the trailhead (6,800) the precipitation was just barely snow - as of 0840. The new snow observed under track and foot was dense, but not necessarily wet. The big change, as mentioned above, came at around 1230, at which point the new snow was easily entrained by a pole drag test, and noticibly more wet.
In a snowpit, poor strucutre revealed itself, though the strength of the slab, and the depth of the weak snow likely rendered this ECT unremarkable. Regardless, a shovel pry from behind the column revealed not only how poor the structure is, but also how absolutely meaty the slab is. Attached is a photo of a 180lb observer making but a dent in the fallen, still intact column.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates