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Observation: Snake Creek

Observation Date
1/2/2023
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake » Snake Creek
Location Name or Route
Snake Creek Canyon
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Temperatures finally returned to seasonal norms with overnight temps dipping below the freezing mark at 8000' for the first time in the last three days. Overcast skies with periods of dense fog at 10,000'. Riming was occurring in the early morning hours. S-1 snowfall throughout the day with minimal accumulations only adding up to 3cm. WNW winds were light with light Wind Blown and or Transport observed.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Rain-Rime Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
1mm rime crust on all exposures with the Westerly aspects having a bit more. Storm snow has settled out significantly within the past 24 hours. Ski and Boot pen values shrunk in half from yesterdays tour. Ski pen today was 20cm. Riding improved drastically with the settlement and was very good. Trailbreaking also improved signficantly. Wind rolls were observed in the exposed upper elevation terrain. Storm totals were at least 120 cm and greater in many locations.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Poor visibility limited the possibility of viewing the Natural activity from the latest event. Despite this issue, there appeared to be a Widespread Natural Storm Slab/Soft Slab cycle that occurred either late Saturday or early Sunday morning as the crowns viewed were all covered with significant amounts of new snow.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Storm Slab concerns that were Reactive yesterday appeared to settle out significantly today. The warm temperatures obviously played a part, and it was much more difficult to isolate shears in the same density breaks that were apparent the day before.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments
The P Slab issues appear to be confined to the periphery locations outside of the Upper Cottonwoods, and once we get a chance to view the activity from this intense heavy new load that came in with this latest storm it will be interesting to see where we are at in these isolated regions.
Danger observed today in the areas traveled appeared to be Moderate; and there is nothing in the incoming weather to indicate any change.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates