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Observation: Oquirrh Mountains

Observation Date
1/16/2016
Observer Name
T Diegel
Region
Salt Lake » Oquirrh Mountains
Location Name or Route
Oquirrhs
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
spitting snow all day, increasing late day
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

soft in sheltered areas, a bit windjacked in open areas. isolated minor slabbiness just off ridges

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Due to the presence of the windjack there was a little windloading, but not excessive.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

with new warmer snow on the way and increased wind - but hard to say if the wind will be at those lower elevations as they are in the Wasatch? What we skied either was wind hammered or sheltered/low-angled enough to not be very likely to slide. We ski cut the slope that had the "best" opportunity to slide (about 8500-9k, NW facing) and it didn't go and we skied it without incident; does that mean it was safe?

Forecaster note - Tom, great question. It's one that doesn't get asked enough. No clear answer, but good to ponder. -MS

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
8,500'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments

Total snow depth was only about 2.5-3 feet, and while I expected to see the buried facets and at least get good shears (on quick hand pits) it didn't seem to be that way; fairly solid. The Paradis 3-foot -bridge-over-facet-layer didn't necessarily need to come into play? We didn't see any evidence of slides that happened in the Christmas cycle, no whoomphs, etc. Despite the thin 'pack it seemed pretty solid.

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