Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Weather Place Names Map Archives
Education
Avalanche Class List UAC Class List Online Classes Resources and Tutorials Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Observation: Superior

Observation Date
3/24/2013
Observer Name
Adam Babcock
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Mount Superior
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Cold (8˚F top of Superior), very light wind, intermittent very light snowfall.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
16"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
40-50cm new/storm snow high in Cardiff Fork drainage and snow more wind-affected here than at Silver Fork Meadows - windslab development within 30m of summit of Superior, not widespread, though N-aspect couloirs did show evidence of cross-loading until exit apron. Windslab did not propagate cracks, no collapsing, no evidence of recent avalanches on any aspects. Backcountry skiers/riders got after it this weekend. Cardiac Ridge fully tracked. I witnessed skiers/riders on all aspects, did not see any evidence of natural or triggered slides. The skiing has been phenomenal.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
Is there a red flag for sheer number of backcountry users??? It was almost impossible not to ski above people...skin tracks everywhere, directly below and IN major avalanche paths and people almost constantly ascending them...all signs point toward stability but "What if..." iPods & headphones standard equipment??? Metal edges covered by skins causing some trekkers to slip above big falls...got MY heart pumping! Lots of enthusiasm for sure...smiles all around...and I didn't witness any serious mishaps...are we dodging bullets? Or am I getting too old and conservative?