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Observation Date
1/9/2013
Observer Name
Hardesty and Wilson
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Mineral - Bengal Tiger to Kessler to Cardiff
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Rain-Rime Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
SH noted in low elevation protected terrain. 1-2mm rime crust caps surface facets in the shady terrain; though not stout enough to spoil the skiing/riding. More prevalent with elevation and noted on west and easterly aspects at the upper elevations in both Mineral and Cardiff. As noted by others, HS in westerly facing Mineral is 3-4' deep, structured and thin. 10cm of slippery surface facets hinders upward travel. Old December facet/crust structure still noted but dormant. Weakest snow at or just below the surface rime crust. Much depends upon rate of loading, water weight, and wind loading.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow