Obs-Snow Profile: Big Water 12/18/2010

Observer Name:

Paradis

Region:

Salt Lake
Big Cottonwood Canyon
Mill D North
Big Water

Observation Date:

12/18/2010

Location or Route:

Mill D - Big Water

Weather

Sky:

Overcast

Precipitation:

Moderate Snowfall

Wind Direction:

Southwest

Wind Speed:

Moderate

Weather Comments:

On and off high density snow during the day. Increased wind during periods of snow. Wind was sufficient to transport some snow.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth:

New Snow Density:

High

Snow Surface Conditions:

Powder

Snow Characteristic Comments:

As as been reported elsewhere, a few inches of higher density snow covers near surface facets and some burried stellars. This new snow formed a 'mini-slab' that would release easily when isolated. In some cases when isolating a narrow column of snow it was possible to see more light passing through this weak layer. South facing slopes had a bit of crust.

Red Flags

Cracking

Red Flag Comments:

The few inches of new snow Friday night were not enough to be of major concern but the easy failure of this on the NSF will be a problem when loaded with heavy wet snow tomorrow.

Primary Concern

Primary Concern:

New Snow

Probability:

Considerable

Aspect:

North

Northwest

Elevation:

Mid

Trend:

More Dangerous

Primary Concern Comments:

Weak surface snow for now is supporting slightly denser snow but this will be overloaded by forecasted heavy snow.

snow_profile_location:

United States

40° 40' 21.2376" N, 111° 37' 47.4528" W

Observed Danger Rating:

Moderate

Forecast Danger Rating:

High

Snow Profile Location

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