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Observation: Pioneer Ridge

Observation Date
11/21/2015
Observer Name
Craig Gordon
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Brighton Perimeter » Pioneer Ridge
Location Name or Route
Pioneer Ridge
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Beautiful day in the mountains... light winds, warm temps. Great day to keep working on the tan, whilst walking in the sun.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments

Mixed bag for sure, though the couple inches of dense graupel from Thursday night provided a soft cushion. Of note was the rather impressive graupel pooling underneath cliff bands. Certainly not a concern now. Perhaps a consideration once it starts snowing again.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Sure the structure is not ideal, but considering the total snow depth, the small grained facets appear to be well adjusted. Of bigger concern is the low tide conditions. A lot of slopes are white from far.... but far from white. Slamming into an obstacle seems like the most likely season ending hazard right now.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments

Recent winds have cross loaded chutes and gullies, but you'd really have to go out of your way to trigger one. I was finding the slab to be rather relaxed and unreactive.

Avalanche Problem #2
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Comments

Sorta never get tired of this view-

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low