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Observation: Salt Lake

Observation Date
12/20/2015
Observer Name
Abbott, Canterbury
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
10420
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Weather Comments
Large, fluffy flakes falling throughout the afternoon at upper elevations.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
7"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Noticed no snowpack instability under foot or in pole pits on the way up. Dug a pit on NE aspect at 10,300 ft. Compression test broke on hit 22 but hard to get it to move. Cohesion in the upper layer of storm snow is strong. We weren't able to get any propogation in extended column test, just the same dirty break about 30cm down directly beneath the shovel. HS 94cm CT22 Q3 ECTN Felt comfortable skiing the mostly open 30-degree slope. The gettin' was good.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Still have the weak layer of faceted snow beneath last week's storm snow, however it seemed to me to be not as weak as previous reports. Still, something to keep a close eye on as this week's big system rolls through and adds an even heavier load.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
10,300'
Slope Angle
30°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates