Observation: Scotts Backdoor

Observation Date

11/4/2026

Observer Name

Champion & Maushund

Region

Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline » Scotts Backdoor

Location Name or Route

Scotts Backdoor

Weather

Sky

Overcast

Precipitation

Light Snowfall

Wind Direction

Northwest

Wind Speed

Light

Weather Comments

Skies were generally overcast, with light snowfall beginning around 10 a.m. but no measurable precipitation. Snow transitioned to rain at around 7,600' in the canyon. Winds remained light throughout the day, and we saw no signs of wind-drifted snow where we traveled.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

New Snow Density

Medium

Snow Surface Conditions

Faceted Loose

Snow Characteristics Comments

The overall snowpack along the Park City Ridgeline is shallow, ranging from 3 to 25 cm in the areas we traveled. The top 8 cm was new snow, largely made up of faceted precipitation particles. Surface hoar was present in protected areas; elsewhere, the surface was just facets. At about 10 cm, we found a more supportive crust, with facets below it. Overall, the snowpack was loose and unconsolidated. We got no shears on the crust, only at the ground.

See photo of the faceted snow surface below.

Multiple photos of the shallow snowpit on NE Aspect at 9400' along the Park City Ridgeline below.

Comments

The goal of the day was to get eyes on the Park City Ridgeline and an idea of coverage on different aspects. Northerly aspects are holding significantly more snow, while southerly aspects are shallow, brushy, or bare dirt. See coverage photos from flying along the Park City Ridgeline below.

Our primary concern going forward is which of the current snow survives, since it will become the foundation of this season’s snowpack. With cold, clear nights, the shallow snowpack will likely continue to facet. Heading into the next storm, it will be important to track where this old snow remains.

Video

Today's Observed Danger Rating

None

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

None

Coordinates

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