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Observation Date
12/16/2016
Observer Name
John Lemnotis
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Willows
Location Name or Route
willows
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Steady moderate winds with strong gusts. Plenty of snow available for transport and it was certainly being transported today.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Hard to tell how much new snow we recieved due to the heavy winds. I good 4 to 6" at the car when we exited around 2.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Surprised by the lack of cracking in the new snow when skinning. We stayed on the windward side of things though. Cornices were large and sensitive, at least one fell naturally.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Wind slabs and cornices are forming and will continue to be an issue as snowfall continues.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Fresh storm slabs will likely be an issue if the new snow didn't bond well to wind affected areas or other old snow surfaces.
Comments
Photo of a natural cornice fall during high winds today.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High