Observation Date
11/14/2020
Observer Name
cpmahoney
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline
Location Name or Route
Scott's Backdoor / PC Ridgeline
Comments
Because of the weather and the danger today, our plan was low angle, and sheltered if possible... recognizing that skiing the trees is a terrible idea at the moment (deadfall). Either way we were going for a walk.
On the way up observed in numerous spots, snow depth at 50cm, and we observed some cracking as we skinned up.
I dug a hasty pit at 9800ft on a NW aspect. I was interested to see the snowpack and get acquainted as the season kicks off.
(Apologies it was a hasty pit).
0-20cm seemed unconsolidated
20-40cm was 4F
40-50cm was 1F
50-55cm 1F/4F
55-75 was Fist (this was the new storm snow)
It appeared that there was a “layer” of firm snow just below the new storm snow (the 10cm of 1F). I performed 2 shovel tilt tests, new snow failed on the new/old snow layer after 5-6 taps at ~35 degrees give or take. The wind was howling and it was very chilly, so it was difficult to actually look at what the new snow failed on.
This confirmed for me the forecast and expectations for the day.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None