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Observation: North Ogden Divide

Observation Date
1/31/2017
Observer Name
brian smith
Region
Ogden » North Ogden Canyon » North Ogden Divide
Location Name or Route
north ogden divide
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
cloudy and blowing moderately on the ridges
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Awesome turning on north and east slopes on faceted snow. Sun crusted on the south slopes. Wind scoured on the ridges.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Wind loading on the ridges, saw no other red flags.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments

Dropped many cornices above the divide without any results on the snowfields below.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments

The past two days I have dug numerous pits south and north of the divide from 6000-7500 ft. I have not been able to find the buried surface hoar. I have been digging to five feet. Not sure why I can not find it, as I saw the surface hoar before the recent storm cycle. I have not been able to get a fracture with any of the ECT's in this area. Lots of new surface hoar forming out there however.

Comments

Photos of surface hoar yesterday and today.

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