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Observation: Park City Ridgeline

Observation Date
2/23/2025
Observer Name
Paradis / Brackelsberg
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline
Location Name or Route
Park City Ridgeline
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Sun first thing in the morning gave way to high clouds by maybe 11. Temperatures quickly started to warm up and greenhouse by 1pm. Winds also picked up a bit in the afternoon but were mostly an issue only along exposed ridgelines.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Warming and greenhousing produced sticky snow that made both skinning and later in the day skiing difficult. In areas with evergreens, snow falling from trees created snow bombs that made skiing not as smooth. Skiing also produced numerous roller balls that could grow up to 1' in diameter. Many aspects will likely have a crust tomorrow AM.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
Snow from this past week has added a bit of depth to the snowpack and is helping to burry older faceted snow. Although snowfall ended Thursday, this much snow in a short period of time warrants caution. Roller balls were a clear indication of warming of the snow surface.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Although we didn't ski anything steep or south facing, roller balls were an indicator of warming show and could have resulted in avalanche activity.
Depending on elevation, we may not get an overnight freeze which will make this problem worse At higher elevations, colder temps could help produce a freeze which would help to keep the snow we have in place..
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
In scattered places along ridgelines (at least where we were) wind drifted snow slabs were present. Some were very firm.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,200'
Slope Angle
28°
Comments
This is probably the first pit all season that we've dug without facets in the upper meter of snow. Grauple layer present at about 30cms down. Typically these heal faster than other grain types but still warrants caution.
Evidence of sticky snow
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates