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Observation: Mt Aire

Observation Date
2/5/2023
Observer Name
Paradis / Brackelsberg
Region
Salt Lake » Parleys Canyon » Mt Aire
Location Name or Route
Mt. Aire
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Fairly strong winds around mid-morning, then wind eased off and it started to snow. The wind was easily filling in skin tracks and other old tracks. In places it seemed like it was blowing around old surface facets making travel slipper. By about noon, it was snowing steadily with large flakes. Temperatures were not all that cold.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
On solar aspects, snow was crusty but east through north were still soft. Temperatures at this elevation were pretty warm over the last few days.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Strong winds were loading slopes along ridgetops, however this was not an issue out of the wind. The primary reason for submitting this report is to note a weak temperature crust that was buried under a couple inches of snow on NE aspects. We noted some buried near surface facets around this crust, which could be problematic given potential new snow.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Crust noted above was present well off ridgelines and had already been preserved by a few inches of snow. In certain spots like unsupported snow around switch backs or along subridges, it was easy to trigger small avalanches as in the picture below. This may be more of an issue if the forecast verifies.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #2 Comments
This was more evident along higher ridgelines and we didn't spend as much time in the wind. Snow surface seemed pretty slippery. I'm not sure how well this will be preserved but could be potential issue too.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates