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Observation: Jupiter

Observation Date
12/20/2015
Observer Name
Patrick Fink
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline » Jupiter
Location Name or Route
Jupiter Hill NW
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Precipitation with accumulation beginning around 4pm, initially dendrites and becoming grauppel as the intensity increased at 5pm. Snow was in and out, squalling over Guardsman's from BCC.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Rain-Rime Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Storm snow of variable depth, from up to one foot down to absent on wind exposed areas. The rime crust was largely unsupportable in shallower areas.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The structure, as needs no further elaboration, is terrible. Facets at the ground, even in the trees. I was a bit surprised to find that we were still causing collapses- one on a NW facing slope near the ridge line, and one on flat ground at the ridgetop. Though the storm snow has consolidated some, the structure is still touchy.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable