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Observation: Kessler Peak

Observation Date
3/25/2016
Observer Name
Toddeo
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Kessler Peak
Location Name or Route
Kessler Peak
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
On and off light snow today. Winds picked up a bit after 4 pm.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

About 2" new, new snow stayed dry on north and east aspects in areas traveled. Overlaying a crust on east and north aspects below about 8000' . Not very well bonded.

Of note is that the dendrites and needles that fell today made for some very slick skin tracks, almost as slick as surface hoar. Not sure if this will affect the stability if we get more snow tonight.

Some damp snow near the bridge when I started skinning at 11.30 this morning.

I was expecting some green housing today but feel that there was just enough of a breeze to keep the snow dry.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The wind was transporting snow this afternoon, not much of an issue in this location but I feel it would warrant caution in more exposed areas. Found some area of thin faceted snow on the upper ridge between the lawnmower and upper hanging slab, HST approx 4' in these areas.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Stuffs were common on slopes greater than 35 degrees, mostly on easterly aspects, some were large enough to knock a person over.

Low to moderate hazard, mostly low.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

If the sun comes out I would expect the wet snow hazard to increase.

Moderate danger if the sun comes out.

Generally a low hazard in this area. I think this was confirmed by the steep lines skied in the area. This includes the hanging slab by me, I don't ski this if there is any real hazard.

Other than the surface stuffing, no signs of instability. This includes drifts being unreactive to ski cuts and stomping.

No signs of instability in hand pits and columns today.

Hazard is based on the area traveled today,

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