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Observation: Santiago Ridge

Observation Date
1/15/2025
Observer Name
Toohey
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mineral Fork » Santiago Ridge
Location Name or Route
Santiago Ridge
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Gaining strength but extremely dependent on total height of snow. Anyhwere deeper than approximately 120cms show signs of the PWL healing and becoming less reactive. Pole probing on the way up to the ridge found depths ranging from 90-150cms within close distances, thinner spots are less insulated and the healing process is far less pronounced.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,400'
Comments
We were able to get a result, CT14 @28cms with a HS of 130cms (rock at base) which failed on weak faceted snow at the bottom of the snowpack. Just to the right our ECT with a HS of 150 produced no results, ECTX. Just goes to show the slightest difference in depth of snowpack can make a huge difference. There are some slopes which may be safe to step out onto and ride safely now but that requires persistence in snow observations and intimate knowledge of overall depth on any particualy run. The variability is a hard thing to pinpoint, any thin spots in an otherwise deeper snowpack could spell disaster with the whole snowpack still ready and willing to go.
Temperature profile showed healing of the PWL at the bottom of the snowpack but it's still not quite there. The overall profile looked good down low, but the top of pack was actviely faceting. Surface hoar was also observed 2-4mm in size, photo attached.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates
Snow Pilot URL