Obs-Snow Profile: 10420 1/27/2011

Observer Name:

Quino Gonzalez/Greg Gagne

Region:

Salt Lake
Big Cottonwood Canyon
10420

Observation Date:

01/27/2011

Location or Route:

Peak 10420/BCC

Weather

Sky:

Few

Wind Direction:

North

Wind Speed:

Light

Weather Comments:

Ta was 2.4 C at 10300, 1200, and raising. Light breeze from the north.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth:

New Snow Density:

Medium

Snow Surface Conditions:

Dense Loose

Snow Characteristic Comments:

We observed some SH on most aspects, with crystals up to 6 mm. By mid-day the sun and wind had destroyed most but some were still about on sheltered areas.

Red Flags

Collapsing

Red Flag Comments:

We didnt see or hear any collapsing. However, I was able to make the pit collapse when I jumped on the edge. The failure happened in the SH layer and propagated cleanly and fast.

Primary Concern

Primary Concern:

Persistent Slabs

Probability:

Moderate

Aspect:

North

Northeast

East

Southwest

West

Northwest

Elevation:

High

Mid

Low

Trend:

More Dangerous

Primary Concern Comments:

The SH layer failed with all 4 tests performed and was always Q1. It did show some resilience but the tests gave faster results than, say, the day before yesteday on a similar aspect (but different area). Interestingly, the faceted layer right under the rain crust was minimal, with just a few facets mixed with rounds, and never failed. Also, the rain crust is falling apart, as far as we could see, and is softer and weaker that in previous days. A lot of DF particles in the rain crust.

Secondary Concern

Secondary Concern:

Deep Slabs

Probability:

Low

Aspect:

North

Northeast

Elevation:

High

Trend:

Same

Secondary Concern Comments:

We observed a deeper layer of facets and irregular grains, 130 cms. from the ground (110 cms. from the surface). This layer did fail when applying force but was much stronger than the SH layer.

Elevation:

10200'

Aspect:

Northeast

Slope Angle: