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Observation: Claytons

Observation Date
3/24/2017
Observer Name
Mark Staples
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Claytons
Location Name or Route
Clayton Peak
Weather
Sky
Clear
Weather Comments
Cool morning but the snow warmed rapidly.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
10"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments

The new snow was pretty reactive. Ski cuts easily produced shallow, slab avalanches. There was obvious wind effect in this basin. I'm not sure if it was a touch of wind or warming of the slab that made these so sensitive on E aspects. These shallow slides were still dry but the snow was warming fast. The new snow on shaded north aspects did not seem as reactive.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Problem #2 Comments

With strong sunshine and rapid warming, wet slides were quickly becoming the next concern.

Comments

See photos and video below of skier/boarder triggered soft slab avalanches.

Video

There was about 10 inches (25 cm) of new snow. It was sitting on a crust which capped old wet snow.

When the snow fell on Thursday, it fell wet with graupel. This bottom layer of wet snow and wet graupel was refrozen and formed another thin crust.

This was from a S aspect at 9600 feet.

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