Observation: American Fork

Observation Date
4/9/2021
Observer Name
Zimmerman-Wall
Region
Provo » American Fork
Location Name or Route
Silver Creek
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
The winds blowing over the AF Twins massif remained elevated through mid morning, with notable transport, but little accumulation in leeward starting zones. Winds decreased by 1130. The overnight refreeze held things together and although the April sun was intense, it took until nearly 11am for softening to occur on East facing slopes and 1230pm on Southerly slopes.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Spring diurnal cycle in full effect. The snow that fell on Tuesday has settled dramatically, and still provides some soft, albeit warm creamy conditions in the highest elevations on due north facing slopes. The corn cycle on solar aspects is beginning to take root and the harvest is on.- At least by Wasatch standards.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
Warming was more pronounced after 2pm on Southwest, but no notable activity by 3pm exit.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Could see the potential for this problem today, but was not directly observed in terrain visited, which included Mary Ellen, Silver Creek, Major Evans, and Mineral Basin. Tomorrow's high temps will likely bring the issue to the forefront yet again. Cornices visaily deformed on ridgelines and dramatically curled over on themselves. These may begin to calve off in certain locations with intense solar on the roots. From Silver Spur it was possible to see some wet slides in Pika Cirque on Timp, but difficult to tell how old.
Comments
Photo 1: Silver Creek looking out towards White Pine and Pfeifferhorn.
Photo 2: Icefall run on back of Red Baldy
Photo 3: Silver Creek Peak Cornice
Photo 4: Wet slides in Pika Cirque on Timp
Photo 5: Silver Spur looking towards Silver Creek and older wet slides in foreground
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates