Observation: Salt Lake

Observation Date
2/1/2014
Observer Name
mark white
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Mill D, Butler Fork
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Broken clouds and light snowfall in the AM, instability showers in the PM, heavy snowfall from 2:00pm to 4:00PM. Winds from the NW light off the ridges in the moderate catagory on top of the ridge lines.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

5 inches of your classic Wasatch cold smoke had fallen by the time of our exit at 4:00pm, super light density and non wind affected in areas traveled.

Comments

Skied Reynolds NE face and the Nipple in Butler Fork, no instabilities noted except for surface sluffing in steeper terrain. The new snow was adding very little weight to the snow pack and improving the skiing as the day progressed. Pretty intense snow fall around 3:00pm, snowed about 2 inches in 40 minutes. Was feeling the bottom while skiing Reynolds face but later on the Nipple with the new snow and skiing a bit lower angle terrain the bottom was not felt. Crazy weather, from blue holes and sun to socked in and intense snowfall in a matter of minutes. Photos.

Sucker holes and visibility in the AM

Dumping in the afternoon

Waiting for our ride at Butler Fork for 20 minutes snow piling up while waiting.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate