Obs-Snow Profile: Summit Park 2/6/2012

Observer Name: 
Brackelsberg / Paradis
Observation Date: 
02/06/2012
Region: 
Salt Lake
Parleys Canyon
Summit Park
Location or Route: 
Summit Park
Weather
Sky: 
Clear
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Weather Comments: 

Cold morning condusive to the surface hoar formation that we observed.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions: 
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristic Comments: 

 5mm surface hoar crystals had formed overnight.  Snow was settled, but still skied very well.

Red Flags

Red Flag Comments: 

 No red flags were observed this morning.

Primary Concern

Primary Concern: 
Deep Slabs
Probability: 
Considerable
Aspect: 
North
Northeast
East
West
Northwest
Elevation: 
High
Mid
Trend: 
Same
Primary Concern Comments: 

Our compression and extended column tests produced results in the second weak layer for the first time.  The previous 2 weeks we have been getting results in the top weak layer.  This was interesting as we observed that the facets in the top weak layer were starting to round. Hopefully this is a sign that this layer is gaining strength.

Elevation: 
8200'
Aspect: 
Northwest
Slope Angle: 
19
06Feb12-Summit-Park-Plot-Profile.jpg
snow_profile_location: 
United States
40° 43' 47.568" N, 111° 37' 30.1404" W
Comments - Photos - Videos (group 1)

As part of an experiment, we have started a snow plot in Summit Park in an attempt to observe the healing of the weak faceted layers in our snow pack.  

Test 1 on 23Jan

Test 2 on 31 Jan

Observed changes since last week

* CT and ECT results broke at 2nd weak layer

* No test results from PST

* Facets on the top weak layer were starting to round.  Gaining strength???

* Surface hoar formation from the night of 05Feb.  Our next weak layer???

* Snow pack had cooled and a temperature gradient had formed in the top 10 cm.

Details of the weather, surface hoar, CT/ECT tests, and test results comparison are included in the video.

06Feb12-Summit-Park-Plot-Profile.jpg
Video 1: 
Printer-friendly version
Observed Danger Rating: 
Considerable
Forecast Danger Rating: 
Considerable
Snow Profile Location
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