Observation Date
1/3/2015
Observer Name
Paradis
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
White Pine
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Prevailing winds were from the west but were somehow challened through the lower part of White Pine, just after the trail leaves the thicker trees and starts to cross the bottom of slide paths. Higher up on the west side of the canyon the winds were relatively light probably due to better protection from strong west winds.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
In sheltered areas, the snow from last weekend was nice settled powder. In more open areas, the wind left a mix of surfaces from dense wind slab to scoured surfaces.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Wind was the story of the day with the telemetry reporting strong winds at higher elevations. There seemed to be some damage from east winds or wind channeling up White Pine. This left dense wind drifts in suprising locations. We also didn't travel along the highest ridgelines where wind loading would have been worse.
I didn't check poor structure mainly because the structure was good on the west facing slope where I dug. That's not to say it wouldn't have been worse on a more northerly slope or in a different location like the Park City Ridgeline.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
As noted above wind produced an unusual distribution of wind slabs. We found one in fairly sheltered location but it did not crack or move. The snow just felt particularly dense and firm.
Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
9,800'
Slope Angle
25°
Comments
This pit was in the same location as one we dug on 11/29. At that time the snow was only about 1 foot deep and fairly weak. I was great how much the snow structure had improved. It does not show in the diagram above but my ECT result was ECTN.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
