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Observation: Lambs Canyon

Observation Date
12/6/2022
Observer Name
Paradis
Region
Salt Lake » Parleys Canyon » Lambs Canyon
Location Name or Route
Lambs Canyon
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Nice day to be outside. Not too hot, not too cold.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Since last Friday's larger storm, this area received about another 4" of new snow on Monday. Temperatures warmed well above freezing on Sunday but only lower elevations (< 7500') felt more punchy. Above this old snow quality remained good and was only improved by more recent snow.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
Observed cracking in photo below while skiing at 7400, which is the primary reason for submitting this observation.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Cracking in old snow indicated weak layer can still produce an avalanche even at low elevations. Avalanches are most common in the first few days after a loading event/storm ( https://arc.lib.montana.edu/snow-science/objects/ISSW2018_P10.1.pdf ) and we are now 4 days after Friday's storm. Monday's small loading event may have been sufficient to make this PWL more senstive.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates