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Observation: West ridge

Observation Date
12/21/2022
Observer Name
Hardesty and Torrey
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » 10420 » West ridge
Location Name or Route
West Ridge of 10420
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Maybe an inch of graupel.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
1"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Punishing winds. Soft and hard slabs of wind drifted snow easily found in usual and unusual areas. Drifts noted up to 3' deep; cracking extending out 35'. Not perfect loading winds but wouldn't be surprised to see some hard slab booby-trap pockets in odd terrain features.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
See video below; any significant stressor (Exhibit A: today's winds) can lead to step down avalanches or accentuate the sensitivity of these lingering avalanches on the Nov PWL; particularly in thinner snowpack areas.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates