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Observation: Days Fork

Observation Date
3/23/2013
Observer Name
Brackelsberg
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Silver Fork / Days Fork
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Weather Comments
Typical spring day with a bitterly cold morning, then periods of snow and sun durinng the day.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

New snow sluffing was common during our tour. The sun came out a handful of times for brief periods (5-15 minutes at a time). This was enough for us to notice a significant change in the snow from dry, easy trail breaking powder to a little thicker and on occasion we would see some very small cracks while breaking trail.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
As noted above, there was noticeable change in the snow from the morning to afternoon with the very brief periods of sun.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

The new snow was settling quickly with the brief periods of sun. Depending on the weather and sun the rest of the day and tonight will determine if this freezes and how much it consolidates.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments

Several ridge lines had significant wind slabs that needed to be approached with caution.