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Observation: Salt Lake

Observation Date
11/10/2021
Observer Name
will
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Top of Rustler 4/Regal Chute, Alta
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments
Within the new snow we found a slightly denser layer at the surface (10-15cm) on top of about 5 cm of loose graupel. which was reactive in our tests (ct 3, ectn 4). The new snow (25-30 cm overall) is sitting on an ice crust which seems to be riding a fairly upright snowpack.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
As we walked up the high traverse we noticed the west side of the ridge was quite scoured with cornices and presumably wind slabs forming on the east. Wind was still transporting snow while we transitioned around 930.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,700'
Comments
enjoyable morning of riding. a member of our party triggered a small windslab while riding, higher off the ridge (high traverse) in the gunsight area. this released on the graupel layer and didn't move very far. lots of wind scouring the west side of the ridge. the overall depth was more than I had expected. and the lack of facets at the ground was a pleasant surprise
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates