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Observation: Pole Line Pass

Observation Date
12/21/2024
Observer Name
Kelly
Region
Provo » Snake Creek » Pole Line Pass
Location Name or Route
Snake Creek-American Fork
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Broken skies that cleared up later in the afternoon. Winds picked up a bit at the ridgelines near 9,000' but it had to be an exposed ridgeline to have any hint of wind.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
It was quite warm in the sun with roller balls and damp snow surface on all aspects below 8,000' and on east-west-south aspects above 8,000' in elevation. No new snow to report and many aspects that faced south were back to summer layers.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Snow Profile
Aspect
Southeast
Elevation
8,000'
Slope Angle
37°
Comments
Above Snowpit located on a southeast aspect at 8,000'. This area was somewhat shaded and in a steep gully feature. Above this snowpit there were signs of roller balls and wet loose activity from earlier in the day. There was minimal slab and no slab characteristics on this slope. Compression test showed more smooshing than shear.
Below snowpit was on a northeast aspect at 9,100' in elevation. This snowpit was deeper than the one at 8,000' and had intact (moist) surface hoar 6" below the surface( card marks location of surface hoar). This pit showed no propagation with extended column tests.
Below photo showing a southeast facing aspect going up to 9,400' in elevation just above this snowpit. It was quite thin in this zone.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates