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Observation: Park City Ridgeline

Observation Date
4/9/2013
Observer Name
Willis Richardson
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline
Location Name or Route
Park City Ridge Line 9990 back to Canyons
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Morning had strong winds out of the east. The first pictures are behind 9990 in the saddle between 9990 and Square Top. The wind loading created cornices about 6 feet high. The snow depth across the area was from 110 to 125 cms. The depth was stable with some sloughs on Square Top during the day. There was one slide on Square Top known as Mother in Law it looked as if it was under the new snow. Skiers continued to ski across the slide all day. Wall of Voodoo continued to slough throughout the day with skiers skiing right down through the slough even setting them off as they skied. The wind speed was 20 to 30 with cold temperatures throughout the day maybe 10-15 degrees. With later direct sunlight the winds diminished and the snow became somewhat damp. The other photos show "whales" from the Red Rocks across to Corn Bowl. These "whales" were between 4 and 6 feet high. It is unusual to have east winds blowing hard in this area. Due to the fog, I was unable to get photos of the sloughs and small slide on Square Top.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
18"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Consistent snow depth across the area. It took almost 45 minutes to skin from 9990 to Powder Park. The snow was dry on the surface but with dense snow as the depth increased. I observed stable conditions across the area other than the sloughs on Square Top.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
The red flag for Wednesday would be rapid warming in the area in winds diminish. You could experience the difference today about 2 PM when the winds decreased. I would think the snow will remain stable if winds remain throughout the day.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Cornice
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Cornices were thick and had a slab on top. They were solid and with damp heavy snow beneath the slab.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Rapid warming will increase the danger. You could see and feel the frozen crust beneath the new snow.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates