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Observation Date
2/4/2015
Observer Name
Patrick G.
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Flagstaff Ridge
Location Name or Route
Flagstaff ridge to Toledo Bowl
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
I started with a short lap on the ridge proper and then traversed over to access Toledo Bowl. Winds were moderate and pushing as the skies cleared and temperatures increased dramatically in the 4 hours I was out skinning. The snow up high was ok and got soggy on my exit at around 12:30. Great suggestion on the skinwax by the way, this did help with travel overall.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Very supportable turns on the storm snow on both laps. I saw some windloading and with the sun peaking out knew that my time on the new snow was limited.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
I knew it was best to go early and the avalanche danger for wet slabs was increasing with the sun. Windloading would have been a bigger concern with lighter density snow that was able to be transported more readily. The snow was so dense that it was not transporting much storm snow.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Southeast
Elevation
10,000'
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate