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Observation: White Pine

Observation Date
2/17/2013
Observer Name
Jake Hutchinson
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
White Pine - Red Top - Columbine
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
On the ridge near the summit as cold front moved through. Snowfall was light/moderate, but plenty of snow moving around at the ridgetops.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Snow quality varied greatly by aspect. North still held good, dense settled snow. West was a mix of sun and wind crusts with a trace of new snow on top. South was almost supportable in spots, but mostly breakable about 2-3" thick.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Wind loading was increasing rapidly on East thru North east slopes. Small < 2" pockets of wind slab had already begun to form, they showed some signs of limited cracking but seemed mostly glued to the old snow surface. Evidence of Wet Loose naturals in West Scotties and Birthday chutes areas - big enough to cause issue in high consequence terrain - but I believe that issue is dead until we see the sun again. Poor structure still exists around Jan facets but no results with stability tests on NW above 10k