Observation: Powder Mountain Backcountry

Observation Date
12/16/2014
Observer Name
Lees, Pollick
Region
Ogden » Powder Mountain Backcountry
Location Name or Route
Powder Mountain Backcountry
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Winds increasing in the afternoon along the higher ridges, light to no wind down in the terrain. Clouds broken in the afternoon. Trees still heavily rimed.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Loose, dry powder above the rime crust.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
8,900'
Comments

Lots of interesting layers...also the usual shallow snow pack variation, with lots of variation as you move across and up and down slopes.

Bottom line

  • The weakest snow is the upper 20 to 30 cm snow pack - a mix of 1-2 thin crusts and low density snow. With another dry spell, and some clear cold nights, I expect this upper snow pack to weaken even more. Mainly NW-N-NE-E, ridge lines to approx 7,500'.
  • Snow is available for transport, landing on a weak surface snow. With any significant wind, expect wind drifts to sensitive, even if shallow.
  • Deeper snow pack areas - facets near ground are small, strengthening, and moist in places.
  • Mid elevation, shady slopes have a shallower snow pack, weak throughout, though surface still the weakest.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low