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Observation: Salt Lake

Observation Date
2/19/2018
Observer Name
John Mletschnig
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Upper City Creek
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
mostly calm and moderate snowfall all day.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The snowpack structure is is setup for issues if a large slab is placed on top of it. Today it just didnt seem to be quite top heavy enough to be reactive.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Small grain facets in the middle of the snowpack just under a faint crust and on top of a more stout crust seem to be the most likely trouble layer. With a more connected surface slab I would expect to see avalanches breaking out on this layer.

Depth hoar low in the snowpack is also a possible failure or step-down layer. In tests in two pits in similar areas one pit produced propagation on this layer (ECTP22) and the other (ECTX).

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Problem #2 Comments

Surface snow was largely unconnected and susceptible to sloughing.

Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,800'
Slope Angle
27°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable