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Observation Date
1/5/2013
Observer Name
Paradis
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
White Pine
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Great day to be outside. A little cool in the shade but warm in the sun. Little wind.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Widely variable snow conditions. In sheltered areas, snow was still in good condition and showed relatively little metamorphism. In more open areas, snow was wind damaged, although the extent varied widely. In some areas the wind crust was thick and supportable. In others, it was so thin that it only was moderately noticeable while skiing. In a number of places, there were near surface facets present just below the thin wind crust, which could be a future avalanche problem. At lower elevations, surface hoar was present.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
no red flags really today, although the weak wind crusts were easy to break and could be a future problem.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
9,800'
Slope Angle
35°
Comments

The snowpit above is in a very similar location to one submitted Dec 21st. The only results I was able to get required a good bit of effort and produced poor shears. This is not surprising given that many steep slopes had been skied. Of note was that the snow below this (the 65" storm around 12/15) has gained strength since late December and was now of pencil hardness.

Coordinates