Observation: Meadows

Observation Date
12/27/2015
Observer Name
mark white
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Silver Fork » Meadows
Location Name or Route
Meadow Chutes
Weather
Sky
Clear
Weather Comments
clear and warmer today with no wind in my location
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Snow was damp on the SE facing aspects in the Meadow Chutes, which started to crust up when the shade line hit it, all other aspects had nice settled powder with a little over boot deep penetration. Thinking all aspects with south in them will have some sort of crust in the AM, the stoutest being on due south.

Comments

Beat down and sick but wanted to get one more day in before a sabbatical, headed up to the Meadow Chutes about 11:00 am, haven't been there yet this year, quick hand pit on the E facing about 9400ft revealed a strengthening snow pack, facets at the bottom were rounding a bit and being compressed and bridged by the new load of snow. The new snow went from almost pencil hard at the bottom gradually getting less dense on the way up, right side up. I would think the trend would be continued stabilization with settlement and compression of the snow pack with time. I think Greg Gagne and Dave Kikkert are right on point with their thoughts about thin rocky areas in upper elevation being the most likely place to trigger a large dangerous avalanche. Also for future reference noted a large crown across the face of LSB NE facing, with lots of hang fire in the corner pocket.

Photos: Meadow Chutes and it's avalanches in the afternoon light, a better photo of the avalanche in Marrietto in Mineral Fork

Considerable in high elevation wind loaded rocky terrain, moderate for all other areas.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate