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Observation: Guardsmans Pass

Observation Date
12/21/2014
Observer Name
Dabu
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline » Guardsmans Pass
Location Name or Route
Upper BCC - Guardsman
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Full conditions, but relatively warm.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Heavy and wet. Very cohesive new slab.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The new storm snow will easily override the poor structure in our thin snowpack. So the #1 avalanche problem is really a combination of new snow, deeper faceted layers, and fresh windloaded pockets (which can be found all over the map due to the severe winds). I expect High+ hazard in steep terrain, especially where windloaded. The current lemons in our snowpack will be problematic for weeks.
Comments
Could not isolate columns today on north-facing low angle slopes below 10,420'. Columns were failing on what appeared to be a density change under the new snow. There was visible collapsing on this layer with skin track cuts. Yesterday we had ECT columns fail on isolation in north-facing Days Fork below Two Dogs (see photo). Those were failing on fist density large-grained facets under the new snow from last weekend. So the poor structure is widespread in the upper elevation BCC/LCC terrain.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High