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Observation: Catherine's Pass

Observation Date
12/23/2017
Observer Name
Dan
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Catherine's Pass
Location Name or Route
LCC to Catherines Pass
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Moderate winds with strong gusts.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Density was changing as temps increased. Starting to feel upside down, especially in the new wind slabs.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Easy propagation on the old snow/ new snow interface. No propagation in the older facets. A CT did collapse upon isolation but only a single event.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Easy to trigger new wind slabs on test slopes.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
It's there. For sure. Wonder when this will activate??
Snow Profile
Aspect
Southwest
Elevation
9,500'
Slope Angle
25°
Hit the nail with the forecast today. Merry Christmas
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable