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Observation: White Pine

Observation Date
11/29/2014
Observer Name
Brackelsberg / Paradis
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » White Pine
Location Name or Route
White Pine
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Speed
Moderate
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

We found a wide variety of snow conditions based on elevation, wind exposure, and sun exposure. The snow in the protected trees was far better than expected.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

We had very different structures in our 2 pits, but both had very weak and reactive facets on the ground.

Due to the weak facets, we felt the danger level on the west to northeast aspects where we dug was definitely considerable. We approached all slopes with caution due to what we were seeing and stayed in the tight trees.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,100'
Slope Angle
24°
Comments

Pit #2 was at 9800' West Aspect (see photo).

We were curious as to how much snow was up high. It turns out, very little. The photos are of upper White Pine (Tri-Chutes) and Lake Peak.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates