Observation: Emma Ridges

Observation Date
3/29/2014
Observer Name
djackson/ SB/ Saurer
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Emma Ridges
Location Name or Route
Emmas/ Flagstaff
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
breezy but sunny and warm enough for an early superficial thaw on the S1/2, becoming overcast from midday for a much cooler feel and a quick refreeze of the snow's surface.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Yesterday's thaw/ freeze and winds overnight roughed up the upper snpk quite a bit on the S1/2. surfaces ranging from dense/ damp powder, sun crusted expanses, and areas of dense wind skins/ slab lee to the W made for grumpy skiing conditions. Was able to chip out a few supper table size pencil wind drifts with ski cuts. Mid/ basal snpk layering not as drastic/ loose or melt water affected as I've noticed in adjacent areas in S facing LCC. Obvious 17 March SW wind deposited dust layer in profile along with interesting residue and frag (shrapnel) remnant from previous artillery firing missions above the town of Alta- thinking it was from the March 1st shoot.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments

only minor previous drifting in this sector- no significant hazard noticed along the S facing Emma ridge line.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Southwest
Elevation
10,100'
Slope Angle
36°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates