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Observation: Park City Ridgeline

Observation Date
1/7/2024
Observer Name
Paradis / Brackelsberg
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline
Location Name or Route
Park City Ridgeline
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Relatively cool conditions but good for uphill travel in the am. By afternoon, temperature seemed to drop a bit. Wind was mostly an issue along the ridgeline and was filling in skin tracks between laps in places.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
New snow was low density and not cohesive out of the wind. Old snow was relatively firm and an old tracks were unpleasant.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Plenty of facets warrant poor snowpack structure, however, we were surprised that mid pack was relatively strong (4F/1F). Often after an extended dry period much of a thin snowpack seems to be comprised of facets. Maybe the somewhat warm temperatures helped limit mid pack faceting. Facets near the top of the snow profile were relatively weak, however, because the new snow was low density and cohesionless, this didn't propagate far. Wind and loading was mostly an issue along ridgelines and did not seem to extend far downslope. Wind seemed like it increased late in the day and created some odd drifting patterns at low elevation on our exit.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Gray facets clearly visible in image of pit below. With more snow forecast this week, two layers near the top of the pit image are likely to become more active. In steeper terrain, it was easy to initiate decent sized sluffs indicative of weak surface snow. These were large enough that they could could potentially knock you over. Additional snow will easily overload this weak snow and could create more connected avalanches.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Low density snow easily trasported. We skied mostly out of the wind so it wasn't so much an issue for us, however it could be in more exposed terrain.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
9,000'
Slope Angle
20°
Video
Hasty PST shows snow easily fractures but surface snow was so weak that we did not have extensive propagation. That will change with more snow load.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable