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Observation: Murdock Peak

Observation Date
12/31/2015
Observer Name
Brackelsberg
Region
Salt Lake » Parleys Canyon » Lambs Canyon » Murdock Peak
Location Name or Route
Murdock Peak
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
A very cold morning in the low drainages. Surface Hoar was starting to form in several location.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

The snow pack is bridging nicely. I was surprised that the snow depth in Murdock was very similar to George's. I was expecting a shallower snow pack. The bottom 45 cm of facets were supported by ground cover creating some hollow areas. As expected, this was capped off with the 18 December ice/rime layer at 60 cm.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
See snow characteristics comments.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
8,900'
Slope Angle
29°
Comments

Test results

  • CTN
  • ECTP 20; down 120; 3 lemons
  • No PST results

The ECT results could have been a partial result of the hollow space created by the ground cover.

There are several shallow roll overs in North Bowl. I would be very concerned about these shallow areas (but curious to dig in them), but we avoided them.

If we stay cold, a buried surface hoar layer could be a future concern.

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