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Observation: Snake Creek

Observation Date
12/26/2022
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake » Snake Creek
Location Name or Route
Snake Creek Canyon
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Another day of unseasonably high daytime temperatures. 8000 feet highs were in the 40's by mid afternoon, and the lower canyons continue to hold these warm temperatures throughout the day.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Above 9000 feet the surface snow was still holding cold snow until 1300, and at that point even the northerly facing terrain got damp. At 0400 on 12/27 overnight lows are still in the 40's even at 9000, with many remote weather stations at and above 9500 feet struggling to dip below the freezing point. Fortunately, there have been brief period of overnight refreezes since Christmas eve and day.
Riding conditions on Monday were much shallower and grabbier in the remaining cold dry snow and still fun, but the fun turned to mank by 1400 even at 9800 feet on the northerly aspects. All other aspects were becoming saturated by then.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
By 1300 Northeast, East, Southeast, South, and Southwest steep terrain were showing signs of rapid warming despite the mid winter low angle sun, and dribblers and roller balls were observed. Exited by 1400, so unsure on how much activity there was later in the day.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Wet Loose activity continued to be the concern again today with the Upper Elevations and Upper Mid Elevations getting into the mix.
Concern for even Wet Slab potential in the Lower Elevations may be necessary on Tuesday if the forecast for the snow levels and SWE verifies. Excessive Rain on Snow up to 8000 feet may be possible, and regardless, significant amounts of Heavy Wet Snow appear likely up to 9000 feet. The zone up to at least 8500 on the northerly aspects may also be suspect for potential Wet Slabs by late Tuesday afternoon if these New Snow totals occur.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Cornice
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Fairly large overhanging cornices observed over the past few days continued to be a concern in the Rapid Warming. Evidence of Natural activity for this problem was apparent from the latest event, and with the Red Flag overnight temperatures combined with the new snow and winds these are Likely to be an issue by late Tuesday afternoon.
Roof Avalanches continued to shed throughout the day and overnight with devastating solid ice slabs within their structures.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates