Observation: Dog Leg Trees
Observation Date: 
01/27/2017
Observer Name: 
Pagnucco, Ward

Region:

  • Logan
Location Name or Route: 
Dog Leg Trees
Weather
Sky: 
Few
Wind Direction: 
North
Wind Speed: 
Light
Weather Comments: 
Cold wind at times, seemed to let up in the afternoon. Transport visible on high exposed terrain and highest ridgelines.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth: 
2'
New Snow Density: 
Low
Snow Surface Conditions: 
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments: 

Great turning conditions -settled storm snow with 8-12" of super light density snow on top. Sizable surface hoar already developing.

Red Flags
Red Flags: 
Heavy Snowfall
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments: 
Poor snowpack structure is an overstatement as I only found a few minor density changes within the new snow. No obvious buried surface hoar in this area though I did confirm that an avalanche down canyon on a lower elevation WNW facing slope from Thursday did fail on buried SH. There is a tremendous amount of new snow in Providence Canyon and Logan Peak area. Sledders were starting to test obviously loaded slopes with no failures.
Avalanche Problem #1
Type: 
Persistent Slab
Trend: 
Same
Problem #1 Comments: 

I dug around at mid and higher elevations W and N and found no evidence of buried SH. I did find it though at lower elevations, specifically on W/N facing slopes. 

Avalanche Problem #2
Type: 
Loose Wet Snow
Trend: 
Same
Problem #2 Comments: 

Saw a few Size 1 wet loose slides on S facing slopes at mid and lower elevations. The sun angle is increasing enough that even with cold air temps, direct sun is enough to destabilize. 

Comments: 

Photo 1 - Loose dry in morning (pic)  then loose wet avalanche activity on S facing mid/low elevation slopes.

Photo 2 - Thursday's avalanche (at mine dump in Providence Canyon) weak layer - buried SH. 

Today's Observed Danger Rating: 
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating: 
Moderate
Snow Profile Coordinates: 
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