Observation Date
2/13/2025
Observer Name
Kelly, Kelly, Pressman
Region
Provo » Snake Creek » Ant Knolls
Location Name or Route
Snake Creek-Ant Knolls
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Light south and west winds with moderate snowfall. Temperatures started cold 16 °F and rose to 25°F by the afternoon. Skies were mostly obscured.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
2"-3" of new snow throughout the day.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments
We observed numerous shallow cracks 2"-3" deep made up of new snow failing on a density change. These were very shallow and wide (up to 200'). They were primarily on north-east facing slopes around 8,500' in elevation and mainly just cracking in the new snow surface. They were not enough to cause harm to people or small wildlife, but could be a pre-cursor to instabilities within the new snow over the weekend and something to watch for as the snowpack gets deeper.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,000'
Slope Angle
33°
Comments
Total height of snow was 4' (119cm). Extended column test with no results, but layer of concern was underneath the graupel above a melt-freeze crust (see video below).
Snowpit on a southwest aspect at 7,770 was primarily refrozen isothermic with a layer of moist facets near the ground. Height of snow was 22" (50cm). At this elevation and aspect any avalanche problem over the weekend will most likely be related to new and wind-drifted snow.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High
Coordinates
