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Observation: Park City Ridgeline

Observation Date
1/22/2022
Observer Name
Paradis
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline
Location Name or Route
Park City Ridgeline
Weather
Sky
Clear
Weather Comments
Really nice day out. Sunny and almost no wind.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
The small amount of new snow went a long ways to improving the snow surface. Old tracks were still visible and you could feel them a little but not nearly as much as before. South aspects were getting warm and maybe would have softened later in the day.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
No red flags today, although there are still plenty of facets at the base of the snowpack which is always a little concerning.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Normal Caution
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Mid pack is really strong and thick, effectively capping the facets. The new snow was pretty insignificant from an avalanche point of view where we were. This combined to make for pretty safe conditions.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
8,900'
Slope Angle
19°
Comments
There were two snow items I was interested in today. The first was if faceted snow from the recent dry spell was preserved below the most recent small amount of new snow. In protected north facing areas, I was able to find near surface facets that have been preserved under the new snow. I could also see a slight density change in the most recent new snow (see photo below). It looks like another week of dry weather, so it all may facet by the time it snows again.
The second item was the strength of the facets and slab above them. Looking back at snow pits from prior years in this location, the current snow pack is really quite strong. The snow in late December/early January fell quickly and built a strong cohesive slab. The facets were still pretty loose and sugary to the touch.
Friday was a bit foggy and appears to have created widespread surface hoar. There is a good chance that this will be destroyed before it snows but interesting anyway.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low