Obs-Snow Profile: Guardsmans Pass 11/10/2011

Observer Name:

Bruce Tremper

Region:

Guardsmans Pass
Park City Ridgeline
Salt Lake

Observation Date:

11/10/2011

Weather

Sky:

Clear

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions:

Powder

Faceted Loose

Snow Characteristic Comments:

Almost no snow exists on south and west facing slopes at all elevations. There is only about a foot of snow on north through east facing slopes above about 10,000' and it continues to be very rocky. It's hard to find slopes that are supportable on skis. Mostly, it's still better to walk.

Red Flags

Collapsing

Red Flag Comments:

Occasional collapsing on the buried layer of faceted snow about 20 cm deep.

Primary Concern

Primary Concern:

Persistent Slabs

Probability:

Low

Aspect:

North

Northeast

East

Elevation:

High

Trend:

More Dangerous

Primary Concern Comments:

Although the preexisting snow is mostly stable right now, it is very weak and will represent a hazard when it gets loaded with a new layer of snow, especially wind drifted snow. The surface snow is faceting quickly and has a layer of surface hoar on top in the wind sheltered areas.

Of more concern is a layer of faceted snow buried about 15 cm down (6 inches). It is very weak and tender and consistently produces propagation on Extended Column Tests. There is not enough weight on top of it right now, but watch out for loading with the expected storm this weekend.

Elevation:

10200'

Aspect:

North

Slope Angle:

snow_profile_location:

United States

40° 36' 51.6348" N, 111° 33' 35.9352" W

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 1)

You can see that there is almost no snow on the south facing slopes and about a foot of snow on the north facing slopes.

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 2)

Tri County Peak at the top of Park City Ski Area with typical early season conditions with bare slopes on the south side and more snowy on the north facing slopes.

Observed Danger Rating:

Low

Forecast Danger Rating:

Low

Snow Profile Location

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