Obs-Snow Profile: Skyline 12/10/2010

Observer Name:

Darce Trotter

Region:

Skyline

Observation Date:

12/10/2010

Location or Route:

Lake Creek above Huntington Reservoir

Weather

Sky:

Overcast

Precipitation:

Light Snowfall

Wind Direction:

Southwest

Wind Speed:

Strong

Weather Comments:

Winds really kickin out of southwest on summit ridges, on and off graupel showers, tour done by 1:00 PM

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth:

New Snow Density:

Medium

Snow Surface Conditions:

Dense Loose

Snow Characteristic Comments:

warm temps have settled out new snow, three different layers in new snow, 2" of settled, 2" of 5 +mm graupel, 2" more of settled snow. Lower layers are getting stronger.

Red Flags

Wind Loading

Cracking

Red Flag Comments:

sensitive cornices, would pop out 6"-8" wind slabs 40'-60' wide, managable on test slopes.

Primary Concern

Primary Concern:

Wind Slabs

Probability:

Moderate

Aspect:

Northeast

East

Elevation:

High

Mid

Trend:

More Dangerous

Primary Concern Comments:

Approaching cold front and associated new snow will temporarily increase hazard for next day or so.

Elevation:

9500'

Aspect:

East

Slope Angle:

snow_profile_location:

United States

39° 35' 11.9076" N, 111° 16' 24.2184" W

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 1)

cornices sensitive on test slopes along Huntington reservoir dam and would pop out 6"-8" wind slabs 30'-40' wide that would not run very far, manageable

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 2)

graupel layer could be next weak layer that could be a player .

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 3)

Lower layers are stout and a great base. total depth 82 cm, ECT 30 Q 1 at 53 cm on thin MF crust

Observed Danger Rating:

Low

Forecast Danger Rating:

Moderate

Snow Profile Location

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