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Observation: Salt Lake

Observation Date
4/18/2023
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Brighton Perimeter
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Forecast had not verified by 1600. Two brief periods of Convective Micro Bursts during the day with quick bouts of Lightning, Thunder and Graupel. At 1500 S2 precip with sustained Moderate WSW Winds and Strong Gusts. Moderate to Intense Wind Blown observed in the Upper Elevations. Temperatures at 8000 feet remained mild throughout the day with periods of FEW and any snowfall melted.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
10 cm of new snow at the most with 1 cm overnight. Low Elevations had a surface refreeze overnight and became damp and punchy by mid day. Mid and Upper Elevations had a more solid refreeze and remained crusty throughout the day. Riding conditions are extremely variable and challenging with the biggest hazard the "Clinkers" that are Widespread on all steep slopes and all aspects. Low Angle riding in areas that were not Wind Scoured were acceptable, but the "Railroad Tracks" and Wind Swept areas made riding inconsistent.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
25 cm Stubborn/Isolated Wind Slabs were showing signs of Cracking.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments
As cited above, Isolated Wind Slabs were observed and at 1800, the snow totals appear to be adding up and any significant new snow with the previously cited winds will escalate this issue. Danger for this problem was Low and will Likely rise to Moderate if new snow adds up.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates