Observation: Meadows

Observation Date
3/15/2016
Observer Name
Greg Gagne with "Gunner"
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Silver Fork » Meadows
Location Name or Route
Meadow Chutes
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Winds were only felt along ridgeline.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
10"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

About 20 - 30 cms (8-12") new storm snow that was well-bonded to old snow surface. Storm snow was not sensitive at all, and we could not find any wind drifting, however we only made it as high as 9800'. Cornices along East facing ridge were sensitive and easy to kick. These were 4F and mostly 30-45 cms (12-18") although a few approached a meter (3').

Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
Despite decent storm snow amounts and wind, no obvious signs of instabilities.
Comments

Today we were primarily traveling on East aspects between 9000' - 9800' and overall were finding a generally low hazard:

- storm snow was not sensitive to any stability tests;

- storm snow was well-bonded to old snow surface;

- old snow surface was solidly frozen and supportable;

- no fresh wind drifts were found.

The only issue we were finding were sensitive cornices along leeward aspects from westerly winds.

[Conditions may of course be entirely different in areas that received more snow and/or wind loading. We also did not look at the snowpack structure on north aspects.]

Photo is of my partner after kicking a few cornices along the East-facing Meadow Chutes ridgeline.

Video discussion of the generally low avalanche hazard conditions we were finding Tuesday afternoon in the Meadow Chutes.

Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low