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Observation: Powder Park

Observation Date
2/23/2013
Observer Name
Muller
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Mill D North to Square Top
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Heavy snowfall intermitently, but on average, a moderate snowfall. High winds at ridgetops, gusting into the 40's or 50's.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Even with new snow, and snow from last Wednesday, it was still easy to find a melt freeze crust underneath that was approximately 6 cm thick and very stout. Up high in the canyon, N-NW facing slopes it was not present

Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
Kept the slope angles down today, but with the added snowfall and especially wind I would expect there was some activity out there. I'm curious if this shot with the wind will be enough to bring back the persistent weak layers.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments

Wind slabs were developing at all elevations today (including in the foothills on a late afternoon tour), and were a bit sensitive on steep rollovers.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow