Obs-Snow Profile: Meadows 12/29/2010

Observer Name:

Paradis / Brackelsberg / Hart

Region:

Salt Lake
Big Cottonwood Canyon
Silver Fork
Meadows

Observation Date:

12/29/2010

Location or Route:

Lower Meadows to Greens Basin

Weather

Sky:

Overcast

Precipitation:

Heavy Snowfall

Wind Direction:

Southwest

Wind Speed:

Strong

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth:

12"

New Snow Density:

Medium

Snow Surface Conditions:

Powder

Snow Characteristic Comments:

The snow surface today was wind affected in open areas. Strong SSW winds were crossloading east aspects. Northerly aspects were more protected.

Red Flags

Heavy Snowfall

Wind Loading

Red Flag Comments:

New snow and strong winds created sensitive wind slabs in open areas.

Primary Concern

Primary Concern:

Wind Slabs

Probability:

High

Aspect:

East

Elevation:

Mid

Trend:

More Dangerous

Primary Concern Comments:

Open east facing slopes had a crust providing a bed surface for wind slabs created by the new snow and strong SSW winds. We were able to trigger a small (30' x 150' x 6"') wind slab with a ski cut. The north facing slopes we crossed were protected both by trees and aspect so had nice fluffy snow.

Elevation:

9800'

Aspect:

Northeast

Slope Angle:

snow_profile_location:

United States

40° 37' 20.838" N, 111° 37' 45.138" W

Observed Danger Rating:

Considerable

Forecast Danger Rating:

High

Snow Profile Location

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