Observation Date
11/23/2014
Observer Name
Jeff Morton
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline
Location Name or Route
Park City Ridgeline
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Didn't feel much wind until we got to the Knobs and the ridges. On the ridge we had to get behind the trees a few times for a little break from the gusts.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
There was about 12" of new snow. It felt like the snow got denser and more supportable the higher we got. The new storm probably doubled the snowpack in the areas we travelled today.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We saw almost all of them today. We went to the Monitors specifically to catch a recent avalanche but we didn't see any (apparently they came later in the day). We did cause a little sluff on Willow Knob as we were breaking trail. It was enough to get a few "Whoas" out of the group. There was collapsing of the snow the entire time and we got to play in a few wind slabs that were in low angle terrain. I guess that is one point I would like to make about today. It is always good for me to get out when avalanche danger is higher, I like to 'see and feel' what dangerous is. I obviously choose low-angle areas, but I feel this will help me when I come across something dangerous when all other indications are green.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
We were able to get into the snow on a west facing aspect and there was a solid slab (4 finger, almost 1 finger) sitting on a very weak layer near the ground. I wasn't actually expecting to see this layer sitting there since I expected it only on the Northern aspects.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments
There were wide spread wind slabs during our entire walk along the ridges, especially on East and Southeast facing aspects. They didn't feel very consolidated when we were walking around, but the wind speeds today we prime for additional loading.
Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
9,800'
Slope Angle
34°
Comments
We did an ECT test today at 9800 ft. on a 34 degree slope. Total snow depth was 80 cm. The column failed upon isolation on the sugar layer near the ground. It wouldn't surprise me to see avalanches popping on this layer for some time into the future.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
