Obs-Snow Profile: Murdock Peak 12/21/2011

Observer Name:

Brackelsberg

Region:

Salt Lake
Park City Ridgeline
Murdock Peak

Observation Date:

12/21/2011

Location or Route:

Murdock Peak

Weather

Sky:

Obscured

Precipitation:

Moderate Snowfall

Wind Direction:

Northwest

Wind Speed:

Strong

Weather Comments:

It felt like the first day of winter on the ridge lines. The wind was blowing strongly out of the west to northwest. Most of the snow that was falling was quickly being blown away.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions:

Dense Loose

Faceted Loose

Snow Characteristic Comments:

Absolutely horrible snow pack on Murdock Peak. The entire snow pack is faceted.There was ~1cm of new snow sitting on top of 1cm of surface hoar followed by ~73cm of facets that grew in size as they got deeper. There were no noticeable crusts.

Red Flags

Heavy Snowfall

Wind Loading

Red Flag Comments:

Lots of snow being transported and if the snow picks up, this will lead to tomorrow's issues.

Primary Concern

Primary Concern:

Loose Snow/Sluffing

Aspect:

North

Northeast

Northwest

Elevation:

Mid

Trend:

More Dangerous

Primary Concern Comments:

Adding weight of new snow to this loose, faceted snow pack will likely lead to natural avalanches.

Secondary Concern

Secondary Concern:

New Snow

Elevation:

High

Mid

Trend:

More Dangerous

Secondary Concern Comments:

If we get heavy snowfall over the next day, this additional weight on fully faceted snow pack will cause significant danger in this area.

Elevation:

9700'

Aspect:

Northeast

Slope Angle:

snow_profile_location:

United States

40° 41' 34.3464" N, 111° 35' 58.2252" W

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 1)

I took a new route to Murdock Peak. It was a little bit boney still.

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 2)

Not the best photo of the facets due to the snow and wind blowing, but you get the idea.

Observed Danger Rating:

Moderate

Forecast Danger Rating:

Low

Snow Profile Location

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