Observation: White Pine

Observation Date
5/2/2013
Observer Name
Jason Konigsberg
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
White Pine / Silver Creek
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Looks like moderate wind gusts out of the northeast this morning but no wind to speak of at 11000ft in the afternoon.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
A little bit of everything out there. Sheltered areas held a 0-2 inches over a very supportable crust. Exposed areas had a variety of crusts, some softening nicely with sun.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
Stayed cool during the day so not much of a red flag. Most locations 20 degrees warmer at present (6pm) then last nights lows.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments
Main concern for today was wind slabs off the ridges. Didn't find any connected wind slabs only small harmless pockets. Wind probably had trouble transporting snow with most snow crusted, prior to the storm, on most aspects. Secondary concern for today was loose wet avalanches. Freezing temps since cold front passage Tuesday afternoon lead to a very solid crust, supportable to a persons weight without skis. Sun only softened top one inch of snowpack. New snow sluffed easily especially on easterly aspects with first sun but all harmless unless you were in unforgiving terrain. Skied south and southeast aspects between 10000-11000ft at 1pm without any rollerballing or any other signs of instablity. Things should go off a little quicker tomorrow with a higher overnight low and warmer temps forecast. Main concern for tomorrow would be wet loose avalanches.
Comments
Photo below- Small loose snow naturals off easterly aspects.