Observation: Short Swing

Observation Date

3/1/2014

Observer Name

Dave Kelly

Region

Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D North » Short Swing

Location Name or Route

Short Swing

Weather

Precipitation

Light Snowfall

Wind Direction

Southwest

Wind Speed

Calm

Weather Comments

Wind below the tree line was calm. We did not get up onto the ridge so stayed out of the wind for the most part. We could see strong winds blowing on the ridge tops on Raymond and Kessler. Large cornices noted on the north ridge of Reynolds loading onto the east face. Frozen water on aspen branches first thing in the morning up to 8000'. Very moist snow surface.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

New Snow Density

Medium

Snow Surface Conditions

Damp

Snow Characteristics Comments

Snow in the parking lot first thing in the morning. Sun came out and warmed the top ten cm of the snowpack. Much more noticeable at lower elevations (below 8200ft).

Red Flags

Rapid Warming

Red Flags Comments

Rapid warming of the top ten cm of the snow pack throughout the day. Small roller balls observed off the skin track and ski tracks on lower elevation terrain. The top layer of the snow was inverted. I imagine with freezing temps tonight it will be slick traveling in the morning.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

New Snow

Trend

Decreasing Danger

Problem #1 Comments

The lingering facets on the ground were starting to round in this west facing pit at 8900 feet. They were very moist and are starting to bond well to one another. The temp gradient in the pit shows that rounding is occurring in the middle of the snowpack and somewhat down at the base. It seems like shallower areas that are more northerly facing may still persist, but this westerly facing terrain at a lower elevation seems to be healing.

Snow Profile

Aspect

Northwest

Elevation

8,900'

Slope Angle

37°

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Considerable

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Considerable

Coordinates

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