Observation Date
11/23/2014
Observer Name
Kobernik/White
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline
Location Name or Route
USA to No Name then along South and West Monitor and out Willows.
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Light snow didn't accumulate more than an inch or so during the day. Quite pesky winds right along the PC Ridge but not bad just a little lower in elevation.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
14"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments

Punchy feel to the snow while breaking trail in areas with old facets. Skis punching through new snow and into older facets.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Quite easy to recognize the danger today. Thundering collapses all day.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

We remotely triggered numerous avalanches along the PC ridge which were failing on the oldest facets. Scott's Bowl, No Name - entire bowl, N facing South Monitor, S half of West Monitor (slides on the avalanche list). Basically, the avalanches were breaking to the ground. These avalanches were the real deal cracking out wide and running way into the runnout zones below with large powder clouds. We triggered these from hundreds of feet away as we were well back on the ridges.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,800'
Comments

Generalized snow profile above.

We did not see any avalanches that had occurred naturally during the storm but, man was it touchy. I heard of a few naturals from other folks. Things were just on the brink and the wind loading alone might be enough to tip the balance.

Unfortunately, we are off to another early season start with a significant persistent weakness. This may or may not be concern for the long run, time will tell. For now, it's a BIG concern. We need more consistent storms soon for this issue to pass.

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