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Observation: 10420

Observation Date
4/6/2014
Observer Name
cam mackenzie
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » 10420
Location Name or Route
10420
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Winds: S/SW. Steady with gusts to ~20. Sky: 100% clouds/ small periods of thin clouds+sun Precip: Heavily rimed particles, not quite full graupel.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Relatively heavy new snow (roughly 120kg/m^3) or 12%

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Active wind loading on north/northeast facing slots.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Pockets of four finger wind slabs were cracking/reactive but not moving far. New cornice growth but nothing major. Otherwise, things seemed pretty solid out there. If trouble is to be found, it will probably be a wind pocket with a bad ride. Trend for tmrw will depend on what happens with the winds tonight.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

Some issue with greenhousing down low. For tmrw, sun and high temps should make this more relevant up high

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,900'
Slope Angle
22°
Comments

Q1 SS, light pressure at 213. Energetic shear but no real propagation.

ECTN.

dirty snow/crusts within the top meter

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