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Observation: Steam Mill Peak

Observation Date
12/24/2024
Observer Name
Matt Barry / Erin Anzalone
Region
Logan » Franklin Basin » Hells Kitchen » Steam Mill Peak
Location Name or Route
Steam Mill
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
8,900'
Slope Angle
21°
Comments
We toured up Hell's Kitchen to Steam Mill Peak. We observed no red flags during our day. We dug in the snow to observe the PWL and its likelihood to propagate. We did a Compression Test and an Extended Column Test with no results on the weak layer. We did have a Compression Test result at the new storm interface, but no propagation in our Extended Column Test. Following our 30 taps during our Extended Column Test, we pounded on the shovel as hard as we could, and were able to get propagation on the PWL but it was stubborn. We were in a very wind-sheltered area, so we did not have a stiff slab on top of the weak layer. It seems to be a much different story in areas that have a stronger slab, so we stayed off and out from under >30 degree slopes.
We had variable snow conditions, ranging from breakable crust in Hell's Kitchen in the morning (7k ft.), to medium density powder near Steam Mill Peak (9k ft.). On our drive down the canyon in the late afternoon, we also saw loose wet activity on the Dugway.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates