Observation: Salt Lake

Observation Date

12/30/2012

Observer Name

Marc

Region

Salt Lake

Location Name or Route

Mt. Aire Periphery

Weather

Sky

Clear

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Snow Characteristics Comments

Snow depth about 40" with about 12" of settled powder then a fairly dense layer down to about 8-12" above the ground where a 2" well defined rain crust exist. Below the crust is a very weak and faceted layer down to the ground. Compression testing failed at the crust with varying amounts of force needed to get them to move. ECT testing in this area was difficult due to brush in the snowpack.

Red Flags

Collapsing

Red Flags Comments

Stepped onto a small test slope and instantly had a significant collapse although no surface cracks or movement occurred. Cut another test slope not far away with another similar collapse but no movement or cracking. Slope angles in the two test areas were under 30 and I imagine if this was in a steeper area it would be possible to get something moving.

Snow Profile

Aspect

Northeast

Elevation

8,200'

Slope Angle

28°

Coordinates

Observation: Salt Lake

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