Observation: Lambs

Observation Date
1/15/2016
Observer Name
Brackelsberg
Region
Salt Lake » Parleys Canyon » Lambs Canyon
Location Name or Route
Lambs Canyon
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
The winds picked up strongly during the day and switched to the NW.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
7"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Snow was very low density. There was some graupel accumulating later in the day.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
There was significant wind loading on the ridges from the strong WNW wind. The snowpack is thin in Lambs Canyon. The faceted layer is only 45cm down so if the slab continues to form (harden), these shallow areas will still have potential to slide deeply to the ground.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Based on the very strong WNW winds today, areas above tree line could be very sensitive tomorrow. The areas exposed (above tree line and ridges) were starting to form wind slabs with a small amount of cracking.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments

As mentioned above, the faceted snow is not buried deeply in Lambs canyon. It will take another ~2' of snow to really make me feel like the faceted layer is buried and less of a concern.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,200'
Slope Angle
30°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates