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Observation: Little Cottonwood Canyon

Observation Date
3/1/2018
Observer Name
Greg Gagne
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper LCC Perimeter
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Winds peaked around 1500, and had diminished noticeably by 1800.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Small pockets of fresh wind drifts today at the mid and upper elevations. Although these were touchy, they were generally shallow, 5-20 cms (2-8") and not breaking out widely. Hard wind slabs from wind event earlier this week are now hidden underneath storm snow and new wind loading.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

Was in upper LCC where I am feeling much better about persistent slab problem. I think this is much more of an issue in thinner snowpack areas outside of the upper Cottonwoods, as well as slopes that have slid this season. With a significant load expected this weekend, faceted layers both midpack as well as down near the ground may become active again.

Comments

Moderate hazard late this afternoon. With strong winds expected Friday into Saturday, hazard rising to Considerable.

I have noticed a few observations coming in this week mentioning a layer of faceted snow on top of the dust layer from Feb 18 storm. Where I was today this visible layer was buried 60 cms (2'), and although it did have a 1-2 cm layer of facets on top, they were not weak and I could not get any shear at this layer. Pits results were ECTX.

Photos of cracking and shallow wind drifts that were easily triggered with ski cuts.

Dusk patrol - was treated to beautiful lighting as storm clouds cleared. I'd say it was time for another storm!

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