Observation: Park City Ridgeline

Observation Date

3/23/2016

Observer Name

Willis Richardson

Region

Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline

Location Name or Route

Park City Ridge Line to Roscoes

Weather

Sky

Overcast

Wind Direction

Northwest

Wind Speed

Strong

Weather Comments

Continued wind with low clouds moving fast across the area.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

12'

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Damp

Snow Characteristics Comments

The snow was dense with a ice layer a foot beneath the surface. It was like skiing in mousse. The appeared damp but there was a lot of scoured areas depending on the wind direction which appeared to come from all directions over the last several days. There many snow banks in all areas, open as well as within the trees. They also had a consistent hollow areas within the snow bank.

Red Flags

Heavy Snowfall

Cracking

Collapsing

Red Flags Comments

Along the ridge lines there was large cornices with large deposits of snow on the leeward side. What was unique there was a hollow wall about a foot in width and 149 centimeters in depth under the cornice. These snowbanks were 6 to 8 feet in height down the slope.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

New Snow

Trend

Decreasing Danger

Problem #1 Comments

Wet with top layer of soft slab and inconsistent snow depths across the area. Some sliding of the new snow on steeper slopes. Danger will decrease with warming.

Snow Profile

Aspect

East

Elevation

9,000'

Slope Angle

25°