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Observation: American Fork

Observation Date
2/28/2024
Observer Name
Meisenheimer / Staples
Region
Provo » American Fork
Location Name or Route
American Fork / Miller Hill / Mill Canyon Peak
Weather
Sky
Clear
Weather Comments
Clear, cold, and calm. South winds seemed to pick up in the afternoon. No drifting noted.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Rain-Rime Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
The snow across the lower elevations was full on melt-freeze. Brutal sledding into the area. Hard snow. Once we gained the Forest Lake Trail, we hit soft snow. Roughly 7,600' in the shade we hit powder. Finally.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
The PWL problem in Provo seems to last longer than any other zone. The issue is it's spotty and decreasing in likelihood. I was in the Mill Canyon Peak zone while Mark went to Dry Fork and Miller Hill. Mark found stable results, and I found unstable results. How does one determine what to think? For me, it was easy. Avoid steep upper elevation slopes facing SE and East for now.
The good news is tomorrow's intense sun will likely cook these slopes, and travel here will become less desirable.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #2 Comments
Even though the strong NW winds blew the snow into submission, we encountered no wind slabs. Lots of terrain was ridden with no avalanches. Outside of the PWL issue, it's feeling like LOW danger. The new snow depth seemed to be less than 6" in areas we traveled. All the wind dirfts we stepped on were well behaved. No cracking or collapsing.
Video
Cornice is becoming a hazard across upper-elevation ridgelines. Be sure to give these large chunks of snow the respect they deserve.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates