Observation: Salt Lake

Observation Date
2/14/2014
Observer Name
Sean Murray
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Guild
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Winds as predicted for today, strong out of the west. temps at this elevation were near freezing. light snowfall.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
the failing facet layer was about 2 feet thick. skied the bed surface down to the bottom and it was hard but very 'slippery' skiing on the faceted snow. the slabs chunks at the top that didn't slide down the slope were very dense, hard, heavy.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
failing on old facets.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,800'
Slope Angle
38°
Comments
certainly a bit concerning to see such large slab avalanches in the Utah back country. I was solo on my mission today but came across another skier that had come out to ski this same area. he did not have any avalanche equipment... ...Forecaster edit... ...I feel its important to mention this as, in my opinion, I feel its not about the individual out there...its a community looking out for each other and in the unfortunate event of a burial that more shovels increase the chance for a successful rescue. just food for thought for those that might share the same perception as this individual without avy gear. we get it. its your butt if u die or get injured but there is a community of persons that will expose themselves to danger trying to help U. is it not an inherent responsibility for each of us in the back country to be able to contribute in the event YOUR help is needed to aid in a rescue...anyway, the 'snow' community lost 6 ppl last weekend...and those of us who rode the guild the last couple days dodged a bullet.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High
Coordinates