Observation: White Pine

Observation Date
3/4/2021
Observer Name
Nason
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » White Pine
Location Name or Route
White Pine
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Rapid Warming
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Solar aspects took on a lot of heat today with mid-morning clearing, light winds did not curb the effects of the intense solar and high ambient temps. Noteworthy shedding in the form of roller balls was active in the afternoon on W facing, mid-drainage cornices on small terrain features were also breaking apart. I expect this trend to continue as we see more warm, sunny and calm days ahead.
Comments
North aspect holding cold snow but it did seem to be condensing with the ambient air temp. Significant settlement observed within that "new" snow on N. The rime layer, 20cm. down was present in my observations, hand shears did not reveal poor bonding to the degree I have seen elsewhere. I did observe one slab avalanche this morning that looks to have taken place yesterday (3/3) afternoon. Early in the drainage, before West Scotties, W facing. From the canyon floor it looked to be 8-10" deep and about 100-150' wide. I would suspect this was due to diurnal warming, and failing on the rime crust but I can't be for sure as I didn't investigate. Lots of previous roller-ball activity in the surrounding area. This avalanche appeared to peter-out very quickly, I couldn't see any debris and the shrubbery below appeared unaffected. At first I questioned whether I was looking at a crown or a descending traverse, from a higher vantage, could confirm that it was indeed a crown.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates