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Observation: Scotts Backdoor

Observation Date
1/4/2023
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline » Scotts Backdoor
Location Name or Route
Scotts Pass area
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Cold in am with temperatures moderating, Solar issues were present in mid day. No wind loading observed even on high peaks.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Excellent mid winter light density powder riding. South and SW went off by 13:30.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
There appears to be no issues with P Slab and Deep Slab in the Scott's Pass area, and this is interesting but not unusual. The latest significant and large snow and water event has appeared to help turn the corner and bury any PWL's and put them to bed. Returned to the same snow pit site visited on 20221229 when Reactive SH was observed at 55 cm down. SH layer now down 110 cm and CTH SC observed but ECTX, and SH showing significant signs of rounding and Layer that contained PWL was compressed in size from 1.5 cm to .5 cm . Site: Scotts Back Door area: at 9250’, WNW, 24 degrees.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Despite forecast for increasing winds and sustained upper elevation winds, there appeared to be no activity with regard to this problem through observations up until 1400.
Of note, Wet Loose was active in the Lower Mid elevations as well as the Lower elevations with daytime heating and significant solar. Any sustained periods of solar on Thursday will see an increase in this issue.
Winds forecast to be an issue on Thursday and this will increase this danger at Upper Elevations.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates