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Observation: Ant Knolls

Observation Date
3/1/2024
Observer Name
Ryan Shea / Eric Pande
Region
Provo » American Fork » Ant Knolls
Location Name or Route
Snake creek / Ant Knolls Periphery
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Most slopes and aspects in the way up were wind scoured with a 2-3" windslab that will be the connection for this weeks new snow. Signs of Sastruggi everywhere except trees
This E facing slope were we dug was somewhat sheltered by ridge above but takes in heavy wind transported snow 275 cm depth but did not have a windslab
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Main concern we found was about 40 cm below the surface on the V-Day crust. This layer was not well bonded and was the sliding surface for snow above. This layer will be fail point for bigger snow loads in process.
there was an additional pwl 130 cm down from the surface that did not react to ECT but we were able to break this off w shovel from behind. There were small rounding facets here that seem to be gaining some strength but is still a lurking low threat concern, mostly for shallower areas in the snowpack. The slab above this was dense and well connected ~90 cm
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
9,400'
Comments
Toured up Ant Knolls area pre storm and found the most wind jacked slopes I've ever skied. All aspects were affected unless protected, mostly by trees.
tested east slope at 9400 and 27 degree slope angle.
Top 40 cm had a slight collapse on ECT from Vday crust at 6 taps, but no propagation. Remaining 90CM below was a solid and well connected dense slab that is very supportive but sits in some facets at the bottom of my pitt which are gaining strength but not reacting and required a strong shovel pull from behind to break it.
Other areas of the slope had a consistent new wind slab ranging from 2-4" with some areas unbreakable.
main point is all new snow now sits on top of a super well connected windslab that is gonna create some big avalanches with future significant loads.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates