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Observation: Chicken Hill

Observation Date
12/20/2024
Observer Name
Pagnucco
Region
Logan » Logan River » Bunch Grass » Chicken Hill
Location Name or Route
Chicken Hill
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Balmy weather with slight breeze. Felt like April.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
There are all sorts of surfaces—wind jacked, wind packed, loose, dry, damp, etc. We found the best riding conditions on sheltered N-facing slopes under 30 degrees—soft, dry, decomposing snow. Ridges were wind buffed, and we even found wind-affected snow mid-slope in a few places.
S facing slopes were damp or crusty.
The 3.4" of SWE since last Friday has created a mostly supportable structure for travel though boot penetration is to the ground. I'd be hesitant to ride a snowmobile too aggressively or too far off the beaten path as many objects are buried just out of sight.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Yesterday was a collapsathon. Today was a bit quieter but we still found very poor snowpack structure with F hard facets beneath the slab. I think we are decreasing in danger but right now there's no way I'd be on or underneath a steep n-facing slope that harbors faceted snow. Over the course of the past few days we've seen every red flag.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Facets are still F hard density under the slab. Propagation in pits confirms instability. Boot penetration to the ground is real.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
We came across damp snow on s facing slopes today but they were not steep enough to be a problem. Poor refreeze last night and possibly tonight may keep this problem in the fx for steep s facing upper elevation terrain.
Comments
1. Wind buffed snow on the ridge.
2. Wind-drifted snow on the ridge.
3. There is riding to be had but coverage is still generally thin.
4. Mt Gog with patchy snow cover.
5. Slab over facets is our main snowpack structure on most upper and mid elevation slopes facing NW through SE.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable