Observation: Days Fork

Observation Date
2/24/2013
Observer Name
GW
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Flagstaff - Days fork
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Pleasant overcast morning turned sunny and bluebird by mid-afternoon, winds a bit gusty up high but to be expected and other than that perfect riding conditions through the day
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
17"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Very close to being 5-star day yet the snow was just thick enough from digging any trenches too deep. Definitely no complaints though, overall a fantastic day with some great turns
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
Noticed a fair amount of propagation on most aspects with the new, heavier snow displaying some slab energy. Specifically one fractured near 15 ft horizontal to a cross-loaded cornice while breaking trail up Flagstaff; South-east facing. The propagation was enough to release the decent sized cornice with more snow than you would want to come down on you.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Although the slightly denser snowfall had some uniform characteristics itself, the new snow seemed fairly well bonded to the existing snowpack.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Large, distinct cornices up high; Winds from the north-west were not as blower today but could tell they had been stronger and prevalent during the storm. The deposited snow on the South, south-east side off of flagstaff shoulder seemed to show the most energy where fractures were most apparent.
Comments
Overall I found the snow to be better on the north side into Days for riding and also stability conditions. Anything with a slight west-facing aspect had been noticeably wind effected, with our run on oingo boingo (NW facing) being not nearly as creamy as first turns on two dogs (more NE facing) The snowpack had some uniform slab characteristics today yet seemed to be missing a layer to collapse on.. at least where we were skiing but that is not to say that a collapsing layer couldn't be present and it would not surprise me to hear of slopes that have been getting less skier-compaction to have had some activity today (especially where wind effected) Even through heavy trail-breaking such a stellar day.. what a beautiful place we call home