Observation: Franklin Basin

Observation Date

1/16/2026

Observer Name

Richie Schumacher

Region

Logan » Franklin Basin

Location Name or Route

Franklin Basin

Weather

Sky

Clear

Wind Direction

Northwest

Wind Speed

Light

Weather Comments

Sunny and Mild day with a consistent cooling calm to light NW wind gusting to Moderate at times and with some snow for transport into isolated lee, easterly terrain near ridgelines.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions

Dense Loose

Faceted Loose

Wind Crust

Melt-Freeze Crust

Rain-Rime Crust

Damp

Snow Characteristics Comments

We found the full spectrum of snow surface conditions with the best being in high, northerly, protected terrain. E and SE were most variable and dynamic throughout the day.

Red Flags

Red Flags Comments

Snow transport and wind loading witnessed today was minimal, soft, and isolated. However I am starting to think about how combinations of surface hoar, surface faceting, radiation recrystallization, snow transport, and crust formation (all seen today) will start to play out when we get our next snow.

Comments

Conditions were as expected today. We pushed into some steeper and more challenging terrain with no observed signs of instability. Polar aspects stayed cold and solar aspects had brief periods of warming in the sun, followed shortly by cooling again (East seemed to be refreezing around noon) that made for extremely variable surface conditions on these aspects. Fresh groom on the road and supportable surface conditions off made for easy travel.

1: Wind Transport onto ENE aspect

2: Variable entrance conditions

3: Early solar aspects

4: Surface variability of zone

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Low

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Low

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