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Observation: Back Bowls

Observation Date
3/20/2013
Observer Name
Kobernik
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Back bowls - Twin Lakes Pass
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Moderate snowfall this afternoon with one period of heavy snowfall at the very end of the day. Winds were just slightly annoying while leaving the Millicent chairlift, Otherwise fairly well behaved down off the ridges. Rain-snow line got up to just above 7500 feet in big Cottonwood this afternoon.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Dust on crust was found on aspects with a previous sun crust. Northerly aspects with a little snow from the previous storm in addition to today's 4 to 5 inches had dramatically improved riding conditions. Although the temperatures were somewhat cool, I did note that the new snow had that heavy "springlike" feel to it once I was nearing the Brighton parking lot again at the end of the day.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Although I didn't stumble across any areas of significant concern, I did note areas where the new snow was shallower and also noted areas where it was deeper, up to 8 inches or so from the winds. The deeper drifts didn't seem excessively sensitive, but seemed like they were just on the verge of wanting to crack. I suspect along the ridges a person may have been able to find small pockets to crack out.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments

The new snow is always a concern when going out and feeling it for the first time during and just after a new snowstorm. Out of wind affected areas on very steep slopes I did not find that the new snow was sensitive. Again, I suspect in steep wind drifted areas just off higher ridges the new snow would be sensitive.

Comments

I marched around out in the back bowls by my self without much concern of triggering or getting caught in an avalanche today. While I do think you could have found a small pocket somewhere, my personal pucker factor tells me the overall avalanche danger remained mostly low.