Sign Up for the Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop (USAW) on December 7th!
Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Place Names Map Archives
Education
Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills On-Snow Courses Resources and Tutorials
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Observation: Lambs Canyon

Observation Date
12/20/2022
Observer Name
Paradis
Region
Salt Lake » Parleys Canyon » Lambs Canyon
Location Name or Route
Lambs Canyon
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Weather Comments
Relatively warm with temps close to freezing.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Despite relatively warm conditions, snow stayed good and without crust, except for S facing. Widespread faceting of surface snow down to 7000'.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
At this location, I noted two problematic persistent weak layers. The most obvious is the lower portion of the snowpack from November which is completely faceted. In addition, there is a thin layer of preserved near surface facets from before the storms last week.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
In snowpit tests, near surface facets approximately 20cms deep appear to be most problematic in this location. Fractures easily initiated but only moderate shear quality. If we get new snow from this upcoming system, it could be sufficient to create more easily triggered low elevation avalanches.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
7,600'
Slope Angle
20°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates