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Observation: Silver Fork

Observation Date
12/15/2015
Observer Name
Rage Team
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Silver Fork
Location Name or Route
Cottonwood Ridge Line
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
We were expecting more blue sky but it snowed, heavily at times, almost all day. Winds seemed on the light to moderate side with an uptick towards the afternoon/evening.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2.5'
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Excellent surface conditions, classic deep utah powder. Just wish the snowpack was a little less suspect.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Almost all the red flags were evident today, but you really had to be looking for them. That fresh blower was so light it didn't seem to be overloading the underlying weaknesses. Aside from the within the storm snow, most of the collapsing and cracking we witnessed was pockety at best. That being said, we kept a relatively conservative line throughout the day with the poor snowpack structure being at the forefront of our minds.
Comments
Broke trail up Flagstaff with a buddy then skinned up the ridge to West Bowl for a few laps before exiting via Emma 2. Also skied Cardiff bowl around dusk. Moderate to heavy snow with light increasing to moderate winds throughout the day. We stayed primarily on SSW>ESE aspects, avoiding N. Tried make snow move on N facing in Days with generally no results. Minor collapsing on the ridgeline, but no large woomphs despite a concerted effort. No major collapses in the west bowl either, though we did use a skin track from yesterday. Similar results in Cardiff Bowl. Lots of variability in the bottom of our numerous hand pits, with facets being the central theme. Very selective route choices all day. -------------------- Conditions would be all time if it weren't for the questionable snowpack. That fresh blower didn't seem to be enough to tip the scales today but tonight's wind or the next bit of precip could be. I agree with Mark and Brett that even though the red flags are not slapping us in the face, we can let our guard down just yet. I would say that selective conservative route finding is essential for safe travel in the backcounty right now. The skiing is effing great though. Sorry no photos, we were too busy pillaging all day to take the time.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable