Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Weather Place Names Map Archives
Education
Avalanche Class List UAC Class List Online Classes Resources and Tutorials Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Observation: East Castle

Observation Date
11/9/2020
Observer Name
Keeve, Cipperly
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Alta Ski Area » East Castle
Location Name or Route
Supreme/East Castle
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
50cm-70cm new snow observed at various elevations on predominantly NW-W-SW aspects. Numerous hand shear tests between 9200' and 10500' demonstrated minimal overall cohesion (F), with moderate cohesion in the lowest 10cm (4F-), accompanied by small isolated basal facets. Surface hoar observed on west-facing terrain at 10500', but will likely deteriorate from wind and sun affect. S-1 at time of observations (0800-0900MST).
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Signs of wind affect observed at and above 10000' on multiple aspects. No significant wind slab problem observed as of this morning, but sustained or increasing winds could change that quickly.
Comments
Excellent skiing conditions for the shallow but right-side-up snowpack. Most significant hazard today stems from buried obstacles and the likelihood of traumatic injury in case of an avalanche. The combination of sustained winds, cold temps, and a shallow snowpack could create more problems in the coming days, with the possibility of wind slab formation and basal facet growth.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate