Observation Date
2/5/2016
Observer Name
Noel Stewart
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Superior
Location Name or Route
Superior-Little Cottonwood
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Weather Comments
Some mist moved up from the lower canyon encircled the summit
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
14"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow on the summit was good, light sun crust, but as moved down crust got more pronounced -- definitely still good riding conditions. Sun crust broke apart at the summit and below it was bigger chunks but still ski-able. There was some roller ball activity and this might become more pronounced with adding sun tomorrow.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
Roller ball activity was becoming noticeable but there has been several good wind slab events that were apparent in the snow pack. So this could become an added problem when hit with more sun and warming temperatures.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Defined wind slab was apparent in several areas. Even near the ridge there was a very apparent cornice running the entire ridge line. Snow in front of this cornice area was softer and more easily skied, but also showing signs of slabbing up.
Avalanche Problem #2
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Wet slab release could become more apparent with added warming and sun. Some areas were caved out which could become trigger points for warm snow mass.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
11,000'
Slope Angle
43°
Comments
Party of one skied down from summit at about 2:30 pm. Snow was some sun crusted at the upper elevations near the summit but still quite nice turning conditions -- mostly broke about on dropping turns. Lower down midway sun crust was definitely more challenging to ski. Some roller ball activity being notices but not too pronounced but definitely could become a bigger problem with warming temperatures -- particularly with several areas showing some wind slab that could let loose.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
