Observation: Toledo Bowl

Observation Date
1/7/2016
Observer Name
Tyler Falk
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Toledo Bowl
Location Name or Route
Toledo
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Not much wind on 10k ridge lines. At times it was trying to clear up to the northeast but clouds keep coming from the west.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Around 5" of new moderate density snow at 9k in upper LCC. Seamed to bond fairly well in most places to the old snow surface although in steep places likely with wind damaged snow it wanted to sluff. Height of snow in upper Toledo bowl is now around 125cm.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Not a ton of red flags out there but still not getting on big terrain on the upper half of the compass yet.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Still that chance of triggering one of these although not a high probabiliy the consequences keep it top on my list.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments

It's possible that the snow may bond poorly in places to the old snow surface.

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