Observation: Little Cottonwood Canyon

Observation Date
11/15/2020
Observer Name
Greg Gagne
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper LCC
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Moderate gusts of wind with warming temperatures. Very little loose snow available for transport.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Wind and warm temps have shrink-wrapped the snowpack. Shallow ski penetration (~10 cm) with a very supportable snow surface. HS above 9k ranges from 45-90 cms (18-36") Given the strong winds, plenty of wind-scoured slopes with widespread variability of snow depths. For example, you could dig in one area and find 75 cms (2.5') HS whereas dig in an adjacent area and find very thin coverage.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
There were plenty of red flags Friday & Saturday (primarily wind & heavy snowfall), but today no red flags were apparent.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
10,100'
Slope Angle
Unknown
Comments
Overall the snowpack looks very stable and we are off to a great start to the season, with decent coverage and supportable travel and riding conditions. Dug several pits between 9 and 10.5 K today and the low-density snow from earlier this past week is quickly gaining strength. This was a layer of concern as the Friday/Saturday storm and wind-driven snow would be quickly putting a load on top of it, but the strong winds, dense storm snow, and warm temperatures have allowed the entire snowpack to gain strength with no obvious weak layers.
Photo below shows the right-side-up snowpack, with the low-density snow from earlier this week at midpack. The snow down near the ground is damp and rounding.
Overall Moderate hazard that is trending towards Low.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates