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Observation: Meadows

Observation Date
12/21/2014
Observer Name
Brackelsberg
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Silver Fork » Meadows
Location Name or Route
Silver Fork Meadow Chutes
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Wet snow with a rain line at Spruces Campground. Winds were whipping from the NW on the ridgelines and blowing all directions down lower.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
10"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

A slightly upside down snow that I would assume got more upside down as the day went due to the warming temperatures. The snow was dense and supportable. Depending on locations, there were 1 or 2 crusts below the new snow with facets between the crust and the ground.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
You could find it all today if you looked hard enough. The windloading was the most notable. We experienced cracking of the wind loaded surface while travelling along the ridglines that were being loaded from the strong wind.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Based on the wind and the expectation of it increasing, I think the new snow being transported by the wind will be one of the most pronounced problems on Monday.

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

We were able to get a 15M wide loose slab of new snow to break loose on a very gentle roll over. The loose slab was very slow moving, but entrained enough snow that it could have knocked a person off their feet if they were not paying attention.

With the warming temperatures and the snow getting more upside down, I would expect things to be very sensitive. Possibly a large natural cycle on terrain that now has buried surface hoar.

Wet slides below 8000' could be an issue as well.

Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
9,400'
Comments

Notice the wind loading and cornice formation in the strong NW winds.

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