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Observation: Lambs Canyon

Observation Date
2/5/2021
Observer Name
Paradis
Region
Salt Lake » Parleys Canyon » Lambs Canyon
Location Name or Route
Lambs Canyon
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
It snowed most of the day in Parleys but then really picked up around 3pm until about 5:30pm. About 6" of new snow today but half of that fell this afternoon. The wind also really picked up around 3pm with limited visibility due to blowing snow. The wind has been from the west in this area for the last three days and has continued to re-load snow. This is really the primary purpose of this observation (see snow characteristics below).
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
In wind affected areas, some surprisingly deep areas of disposition have developed over the last 3 days. In one location in particular, I have knocked over a small wind drift each day but then it always grows back the next. Today, it was was deeper than the prior days and was characteristically wind affected snow. I sunk into it about thigh deep.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
See comments above re: wind loading. It wasn't too difficult to observe cracking. See picture of easy cracking below. Often very small cracks or small mini avalanches were present in the most recent snow due to wind. I didn't really look at the snow structure, but it is the same.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Wind loading was present in treed areas that typically do not see much wind, particularly above 8000 feet.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
As noted above, I didn't go looking for it but I'm sure it is there.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High