Observation Date
11/17/2016
Observer Name
mark white
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Alta Ski Area
Location Name or Route
Alta, So Long
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Cold with fairly strong winds from the NW on the ridgelines, and getting down into the bottom of drainages
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

5 to 6 inches of light density snow sitting on dirt and rocks in most places, or a few inches of faceted snow on the high north. The new snow was quickly getting a wind skin and slabbing up in wind exposed terrain and also getting stripped down to the dirt on ridges and terrain features.

Comments

No red flags not enough snow to matter but on the downside pretty even coverage at all elevations and a good set up for a weak layer if we go high and dry for much time, [thin snow pack, light density snow, and cold clear nights on the way.] Guess we will have to wait and see.

Photos: thin skin on So Long, wind drifts forming at all elevations, coverage on the south and north

Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None