Observation: White Pine

Observation Date

1/4/2015

Observer Name

Corson

Region

Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » White Pine

Location Name or Route

White Pine

Weather

Sky

Overcast

Wind Direction

Northwest

Wind Speed

Moderate

Weather Comments

Mostly overcast, moderate NW winds, but evidence of much stronger winds up high - high clouds were zipping over the ridges.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Characteristics Comments

Variable surface conditions depending on the exposure and wind effect. Ranged from nice settled powder to very hard wind slab. Protected slopes remain really fun to ski, but be on guard for a sudden change in snow conditions.

Red Flags

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

Snowpack structure is poor, but compression test did not collapse.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

New Snow

Trend

Same

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Trend

Same

Problem #2 Comments

Evidence of wind loading and hard wind slabs. With strong winds from multiple directions this past week, most aspects up high are affected.

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Moderate

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Moderate

Observation: White Pine

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