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Observation: Hells Canyon

Observation Date
2/20/2025
Observer Name
Derek Hubbard
Region
Ogden » Snowbasin Backcountry » Hells Canyon
Location Name or Route
Hells Canyon
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments
10cm of new snow overnight with more on the way on top of the existing weak layers will exaggerate existing weak layers in the snowpack. New and old snow interface is just okay now but will likely stabilize i.e. no surface hoar or facets.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments
Total snow depth at this location 145cm. Weak layers weren't immediately obvious but a CT revealed the same weak layers we've been seeing, with stability slowly increasing. Collapse under the new snow layer at CT 7 BRK and another at CT 29 SC 65cm down. ECT showed little to no propagation. Shovel shear test would pull off the deeper layer but not the first.
Comments
Snow pit dug at 7189' on SE aspect with slope angle 32*. Temps in the high 20s and overcast with little to no wind at 9:15AM. We predict the possibility of soft slab slides at the new snow depth and bigger hard slab slides up to 2' deep. Picture shows the hard slab that pulled off during shovel shear test.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates