Observation: Steep Hollow Timber Sale

Observation Date

12/27/2025

Observer Name

Weed

Region

Logan » Franklin Basin » Steep Hollow » Steep Hollow Timber Sale

Location Name or Route

Steam_Mill3

Weather

Sky

Overcast

Precipitation

Heavy Snowfall

Wind Speed

Moderate

Weather Comments

Full on winter weather today, with periods of very heavy snowfall and significant drifting

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

16"

New Snow Density

Medium

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Snow Characteristics Comments

Deep, somewhat heavy new snow... approximately 16 inches of new snow at around 7500 feet, with more and heavier deposits up higher.

Red Flags

Heavy Snowfall

Wind Loading

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

The new snow appeared to be well-bonded to the wet and crusty stuff that was on the ground before Christmas. There were no obvious signs of instability...

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Trend

Same

Problem #1 Comments

There is a layer of weak snow from November near the ground, but the warm and wet weather before Christmas might have done this in... I still am getting ECT tests to produce propagation, but the old snow is so wet that It should solidify with colder temperatures on tap for the upcoming week.

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

New Snow

Trend

Same

Problem #2 Comments

Maybe more of a wind slab problem in exposed terrain...

Snow Profile

Aspect

North

Elevation

8,700'