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Observation: Salt Lake

Observation Date
12/16/2012
Observer Name
Jason Konigsberg
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Mill Creek
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
No wind loading today in areas travelled. Intermittent light snow showers.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
About a foot very light new snow from this storm. Bond of new snow to old surface is improved today over yesterdays energetic sluffs.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Poor structure everywhere NW-E but recent avalanches of late have been in areas off the ridges that have been wind loaded. Easy to stay away from and ski the areas that have not been wind loaded. All will change tonight with wind and significant snowfall forecast.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
At least 3 different rain crusts with facets in between. Most of the loose snow avalanches from yesterday would step down to the upper most fragile rain crust. The most concerning rain crust is the two inch thick rain crust (below the fragile one) that would support a large load before collapsing facets below. Not much variabilty in areas travelled today. Widespread rain crusts with facets below is the bottom line.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
High winds and large snow amounts forecast. Even if we didn't have a weak snowpack it'd be dangerous.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,700'
Slope Angle
30°
Coordinates

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