Observation Date
1/16/2013
Observer Name
Fred
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Alta gard to Cardif to BCC highway
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Wind was very active on the exposed ridge line and above 10K. Below that snow surface was wind effected powder with the occasional small stout pocket of slab and stiff old tracks could be felt at times.
Amazing to actually feel warm today even though the wind chill was still well below freezing.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
As above. Wind packed powder. Ski penetration of 5-8". Easy travel.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Obvious snow transport with the stout evil North Northeast wind. That said there was no real cracking and the surface below the new snow was for the most part stout.
Looks like the LSB has either been blown clean or avalanched to the bare rock in places. Did look like some debris but wtih the wind activity hard to tell.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Wind slab sure to be found on the lee side of high ridges. Avoided shallow, rocky areas and areas where the surface below the new snow was not firm.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem #2 Comments
Out of the wind the facet farm is back at it again.
Comments
What a surprise to see a wet sluff or two on the west facing Reed and Benson ridge later in the day.
As a foot note just a thanks to the group which arrived late and had the courtesy to let us clear out before dropping of the ridge. They waited for a while and we appreciate it.
