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Observation: Flagstaff Ridge

Observation Date
2/22/2018
Observer Name
Luke
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Flagstaff Ridge
Location Name or Route
Flagstaff
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The wind was blowing at 10 to 15 mph, just consistently enough to sweep most of the newer snow off some of the old crust layers facing SE to SW. Mostly bonded well but I found some spots that the new snow did not adhere well to the crust layers underneath. Both of those will be problematic with increased loading of new snow over the next few days, especially since I don't anticipate the wind stopping tonight at any time.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Noticed some poor adherence, cracking and a wind layer building in certain areas, I don't expect this to be a widespread problem but something to be aware of in any terrain with consequences below you (terrain traps, cliff bands, etc.)
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable