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Observation: Empire Pass

Observation Date
12/2/2023
Observer Name
Graves, Torrey
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline » Empire Pass
Location Name or Route
Empire Pass
Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Noticed very localized cracking and collapsing on wind-loaded, NW aspects. Though there was evidence of wind loading, it was subtle and hasn't yet created a reactive slab.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
8,900'
Comments
HS at 8900' ranged in depth from 40-75cm on northerly aspects. New snow totals amounted to about 6" early this afternoon. Yesterday I dug near Catherine's Pass around 10000' where the HS was 90cm and noted one distinct crust sandwiched between weak snow. Today, digging on a NE aspect at 8900', revealed a shallower snowpack with multiple crusts and much weaker snow between these crusts and at the ground.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates