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Observation: Silver Creek

Observation Date
3/19/2024
Observer Name
Kelly
Region
Provo » American Fork » Silver Creek
Location Name or Route
Silver Creek Peak
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Winds were blowing from the west-southwest on the ridgetops. Calm winds in protected areas mid slope.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snowpack surface was taking heat. Northerlies were still dry, but any sun at all and things were warming quickly out of the wind zone. East and south facing slopes were smoother, north was still dry snow and west facing had a breakable crust.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Red Flags Comments
Noted wet loose avalanches starting in the rocks on southerly facing terrain. Most areas this was running on a dust layer. Some places it was just roller balls and in steeper terrain it was entraining more snow. These were small avalanches.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Problem #1 Comments
Wet loose avalanches on southeast facing aspects 9,900'.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
10,200'
Slope Angle
32°
Comments
Near surface facets on the surface were taking some heat and will probably break down before the next storm, however if they don't this could create a weak interface when we get more snow later this week and is something to keep an eye out for. Graupel in the snowpit had rounded edges and no propagation results with an extended column test. The mid-pack dirt layer from March 2nd is present in this location.
Photo showing windward vs leeward. Predominant wind direction on this slope at 11,300' is winds blowing from the west (photo is taking looking south towards Silver Creek Peak).
I started early and finished early to avoid rising avalanche danger and to time my travel to get the best conditions for skiing. I saw a number of places where wind-loading had occurred and cornices in some locations were quite large and overhung. I did not travel on slopes with big overhanging cornices. The danger where and when I travelled today was Low rising to Moderate with daytime heating.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates