Observation Date
3/22/2013
Observer Name
Kobernik
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Alta-Cardiff-Mineral Fork
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Just slightly annoying winds along the ridgetops. Steady snowfall for most of the day with a few periods of heavy snowfall. Snowfall tapering off by about 6pm.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Low density new snow. Seemed like it stacked up at least 5 inches during the day. Snow totals from the last two days are 6 to 14" in Mineral depending on aspect relative to wind direction.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
These red flags didn't pose much threat but were present. It was enough that you had to pay attention. The avalanches were small. The heavy snowfall only lasted long enough to just push the instability to the brink but never over did it. The winds were drifting snow into some slabs, enough to avoid some of the steeper slopes. Cracking was occurring around skis in some locations but the cracks weren't shooting very far nor were they present down out of the wind.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The new snow was once again sensitive along the ridges where it was affected by the wind. It was not as sensitive as on Thursday and the loose snow avalanches and slabs were shallower. There was no monkey business with the weak layer, just a poor bond to yesterday's snow which should settle and bond fairly quickly.
Comments
I was with Mark White for most of the day in Cardiff Fork then spent the early evening in Mineral Fork. The new snow was on the verge of becoming pretty sensitive during the high snowfall rates. There were natural loose snow avalanches and some cracking as well. (photo)
Video
A note on Mineral: I was finding lots of areas with loose dry facets on the east and northeast upper elevation aspects. They don't pose much threat currently but should be kept in mind for during the warming event that will eventually occur and heat these for the first time.
