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Observation Date
11/29/2016
Observer Name
NG
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline
Location Name or Route
PC Ridge DV to the Canyons
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Brisk w/ steady Northerly wind through noon. High of 16 deg. F on the ridge around 1330.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
14"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
10 to 15 cm of new light density snow on top of yesterday's. The top 35 cm showed multiple layers and interfaces
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Heavy recent snowfall and density changes within the storm slab from multiple pulses since Saturday were main concern. One interesting full depth ECT result on a Northerly aspect. Along the North/South pieces of the ridgeline crossloading was evident from the NNW winds of the last 24 hrs. Some northerly aspects had the storm slab more compacted and the surface stripped, these areas I found isolated cracking along ridge. Surprisingly little avalanche activity however, saw only loose new snow that had moved during the higher PI periods.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
In ECTs on N and NE aspects around 9700 ft, the storm slab showed multiple subtle density changes and progressive compression failures at these interfaces (under the 11 to 14 cm received overnight and 34 to 36 cm down from the previous day's accumulation). Pits were dug 25 ft. off the ridge in Jupiter and Scott's Bowls, both had ~85cm depth. Storm slab had overall decent structure though and I imagine will remain cohesive if we can avoid prolonged high pressure.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
One due North aspect pit in a more exposed area down from the ridge showed developed 2 mm facets for the first 4cm off the ground. This produced an ECTP25, Q1 SP on this layer. While I think that these isolated basal facet layers are thin enough to be broken up by terrain and rocks, logs, other natural features, it seems like the right triggering circumstance could produce one of these full depth slides and the nice storm snow we just got could become a much uglier slab scenario.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
9,700'
Slope Angle
18°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates