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Observation: Brian Head Backcountry

Observation Date
2/26/2024
Observer Name
Ian Dempsey
Region
Southwest » Brian Head Backcountry
Location Name or Route
Brian Head Backcountry
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Moderate to strong south and southwest winds. Windy all the way down to valley bottoms as dust could be observed blowing off dried desert lakebeds in the distance. Broken high clouds. Temps in the low 30s.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Sheltered areas hold soft snow. Windward/south/southwest aspects have a mix of windcrust and melt-freeze crust.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Moderate to strong winds will continue over the next 24 hours. Winds will transition from south to west to northwest over this time period.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Moderate to strong winds forecast to continue over the next 24 hours. Winds expected to transition from south to west to northwest over this time period.
Wind loading expected to occur on north to southeast aspects.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
On the aspect and elevation we tested today our PWL is about a meter deep and it's hard to trigger (we weren't able to). Based on this single observation it's best to watch out for are shallow spots in the snowpack, for example in rocky areas.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
10,800'
Slope Angle
34°
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates