Observation: Murdock Peak

Observation Date
11/15/2020
Observer Name
Grainger
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline » Murdock Peak
Location Name or Route
Murdock Peak
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Speed
Moderate
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Friday's higher density snow has been wind-worked into a firm slab where exposed; scoured westerlies and loaded easterlies (Pic 2). Young sastrugi and smooth, weight-supporting deposits made up the lee of the Murdock ridgelines but no evidence of activity in Friday's slab. Moderate winds persisted throughout the day and little snow is left on the west of ridges to transport.
Tests at 9500' NE-facing 100' off the ridge, HS 72 pit provided consistent STM on the Friday snow interface @54cm but ECTX's (Upper red line Pic 1).
Lingering interesting layer in this area is a density change in the 11/7-11/9 storm @21cm underneath a 4F+ layer (Lower red line Pic 1). This layer showed a resistant-planar ECTP23 and propagating shovel tests. Still not concerned about this layer being problematic but interesting to see it hanging around this long with propagation.
Positive news, on lower elevations this higher-density layer and the mild temperatures have started a great moist base layer.
Brief Aside: Since March's pandemic work/life changes I continue to see groups disregarding many of the basics of safely touring around others. I would encourage anyone who knows etiquette to kindly discuss it with family/friends/adjacent parties. I'm finding that many people are inexperienced but excited and open to learning how to do this safely.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments
Winds from 11/13-11/15 apparent everywhere in mid-to-upper elevations. No visible natural or human-triggered slides from Friday's snow and winds.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates