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Observation: Snake Creek

Observation Date
2/6/2016
Observer Name
Paradis / Brackelsberg
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Brighton Perimeter » Snake Creek Pass
Location Name or Route
Brighton Periphery / Snake Creek
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Very nice day to be outside. A bit warm when not in the shade and going uphill but otherwise very plesant. The light breeze was really only noticable near ridgelines.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

At the very top of our first run at 9:30 am on a SE facing rslope the snow at 10,000 feet was still good but had a zipper crust slightly lower. North facing, shady slopes stayed good. By noon, south facing snow was punchy and getting damp.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
Warming of the recent snow was the most significant concern today. Snowpack structure seemed pretty decent overall, although we did notice some facets below the rain crust.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Plenty of roller balling and loose wet avalanches were observed today. These were both human triggered and natural. See photos below.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

Although not very reactive in snow pit tests, the facets below the rain crust on the SE slope where we dug were of concern since they have been implicated in a number of recent avalanches. As stated in the forecast, this seems like a low probability high consequence situation at this point.

Forecaster Comments: the crust/facet layer from the 14th was the culprit for the avalanches near Gobbler's/Raymond; at this point we are also keeping an eye on weaknesses adjacent to last Friday's rain crust in the 7-8000' range.

Numerous pole probing and hand pits on the deeper N facing slope we skied pointed to a strong structure.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Southeast
Elevation
10,100'
Slope Angle
35°

Another pit on a south facing slope showed more crusts with facets but was generally strong otherwise.

Natural wet loose avalanche

Human triggered loose snow avalanches.

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