Observation: Garden City Bowls

Observation Date
1/11/2014
Observer Name
Pagnucco
Region
Logan » Garden City Canyon » Garden City Bowls
Location Name or Route
Garden City Bowls
Weather
Weather Comments
The day started spring-like with bright sun and unseasonably warm temperatures. By 1pm the clouds had rolled in, the wind had picked up and light snow was falling. By 4pm the winds were nuking out of the west and snowfall was intensifying (graupel).
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
18"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

The snow from yesterday seems a distant memory. The heating destroyed the riding conditions and turns became a test of patience. Whether on board or skis, our BC 101 class was punching through to the ground and wallowing during transitions.We dug multiple pits with non-definitive, varying results and managed one ECTP 22 - the slab popped with some great energy. We were unable though to replicate those results. The new snow is trying to be a slab but is still soft and lacking enough cohesion. This was at mid-elevation (8500 ft.). Great learning environment for a BC 101. Tonight's storm will certainly add weight to already extremely poor snowpack structure.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Collapsing and cracking prevalent throughout the day on east faces.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High