Observation: Monster

Observation Date
2/9/2025
Observer Name
Kelly, Winter SAR
Region
Skyline » Ephraim Canyon » Monster
Location Name or Route
Ephraim Canyon
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Light winds, clear skies with building clouds through the day and cold air temperatures 3 °F at a nearby weather station.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
9"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
9" of settled snow where we traveled. The new/old surface was a stout wind and sun affeceted surface in most locations. Protected north and lower angle meadows were softer and made for better turns.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
10,000'
Slope Angle
27°
Comments
Snow profile showed us 5' of snow with 9" of new snow and mostly faceted snow underneath the crust. The weakest layer in this location was the faceted snow just underneath the old surface crust. Snowpack temperatures show a snowpack that is starting to lose the strong temperature gradient, but crystals were still very faceted in nature. We had results with compression tests underneath the crust, but the main goal of the snowpit was to see what weak snow (facets) looked and felt like with a slab(thicker snow) over the top of them. If we see this structure on a steeper slope then we have the potential to see avalanches.
Photo of dry 3-4mm faceted snow near the ground.
Thanks to Sanpete County for hosting us.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates