Observation: Snowbird periphery

Observation Date

12/23/2016

Observer Name

Sean Z.W.

Region

Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Snowbird periphery

Location Name or Route

Upper AF Canyon

Weather

Sky

Overcast

Precipitation

Light Snowfall

Wind Direction

Southwest

Wind Speed

Moderate

Weather Comments

Approaching storm. Winds increasing from S/SW after 10am. Precip @ 1545.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

New Snow Density

Medium

Snow Surface Conditions

Dense Loose

Wind Crust

Snow Characteristics Comments

Active wind transport throughout day. Snow surface was mixed bag of wind affect and settled pow. How will this surface layer interface with new snow?

Red Flags

Wind Loading

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

While it's been quiet in the backcountry avalanche wise since Monday's event, the various user groups are pushing into new and more radical terrain by the day. New snow and strong wind will change the avalanche conditions quickly in 48 hours. Slabs of varying thickness are now becoming buried under the new storm snow. What will happen with 2.0" H2O?

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Wind Drifted Snow

Trend

Increasing Danger

Problem #1 Comments

Growing problem reloading paths that have already slid this season.

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

New Snow

Trend

Increasing Danger

Problem #2 Comments

Contingent on snow totals, but be weary of steep loaded terrain in unsuspecting places.We seem to be in a maratime snow snow climate these days. Very rapidly rising hazard is commonplace. Plan accordingly.

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Low

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Moderate

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