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Observation: Snake Creek

Observation Date
4/1/2014
Observer Name
Joey Dempster
Region
Salt Lake » Snake Creek
Location Name or Route
Snake Creek - Bonner Ridge
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southeast
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Dense new snow Monday night and Tuesday above 6000 feet. ~8 new inches on top of Sunday's storm.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
The new snow was somewhat dense by wasatch standards and drifted easily. Wind drifts were very reactive, with cracks shooting 10-30 feet on steep test slopes. Out of wind affected areas, it was not as visibily, but the setup of dense new snow over the lighter Sunday snow was considered a red flag and kept my party under 35 degrees today.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
Wind drifted snow propagated cracks very far and very easily.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The new snow is denser than the snow on which it fell (Sunday's storm). I did not observe avalanches related to this problem, but it could be that there wasn't quite enough new snowfall and the structure needs an additional trigger, either a skier, a sluff, or a small wind-related avalanche that could step down. It should heal quickly, however.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
S winds were strong on and off all morning, and there was much wind loaded snow along ridges. This snow was very reactive on test slopes.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,400'
Slope Angle
35°
Comments
This is a picture of the deep cracks that formed easily on test slopes in wind affected terrain. Cracks were 10-12 deep and I'm sure if they were on larger, steep slopes, they would have slid when triggered by the weight of a human. I think that while these wind slabs will heal quickly, tomorrow may be a little early to stick one's neck out. Unfortunately, the powder won't last long in April sun, and people will feel pressure to do so. The non-wind affected snow, while inverted, did not seem as dangerous and should be less so by tomorrow, and wind loading was, in my limited observation, restricted to ridgelines. These factors lead me to conclude that hazard should ameliorate overnight to moderate, with a note of considerable along ridges above 9000 feet with wind drifted snow.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates