Observation: Cascade Ridge

Observation Date

1/16/2026

Observer Name

Torrey & Davis

Region

Provo » Cascade Ridge

Location Name or Route

South Fork

Weather

Sky

Clear

Wind Direction

North

Wind Speed

Light

Weather Comments

Cold morning. Temperatures in the teens ˚F. Clear skies, with light ridge-top winds.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions

Faceted Loose

Snow Characteristics Comments

Surface conditions vary by aspect: expect melt-freeze crusts on sun-exposed slopes and firm, scoured surfaces on high-elevation wind-exposed slopes. The best riding is currently found on sheltered North and East aspects in the mid-to-upper elevations. However, the top 2–8 inches contain developing surface hoar and near-surface facets. While this soft snow offers great skiing now, it is forming a problematic weak layer for the future.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Trend

Decreasing Danger

Problem #1 Comments

Above 8500 feet, the 3–5 foot snowpack is strong, supported by a 1F hard base containing two or three pencil-hard crusts from the previous rain events. However, the surface is weakening noticeably. Surface conditions range from early-stage faceting on wind-exposed slopes to well-developed, cohesionless facets in sheltered, open timber. Notably, Southeast aspects show a thin crust capping small grain facets.

The crystal card shows an interface where faceted snow sits above a strong crust at Northeast Aspect 9150 feet.

Comments

Snowpit from NE aspect at 9130 feet.

Old wet-loose avalanches that ran in steep south and southeast-facing terrain.

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Low

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Low

Coordinates

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