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Observation: Park City Ridgeline

Observation Date
3/18/2018
Observer Name
Paradis / Brackelsberg
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline
Location Name or Route
Park City Ridgeline
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
This report covers Saturday (3/17) and Sunday (3/18) Yesterday snowfall was relatively consistent, maybe on the low end of the moderate range. Today snowfall was more spotty with some short sun breaks and brief intense showers. Winds were out of the southwest on Saturday and more northwest on Sunday. On both days just off the ridglines was protected and out of the wind. This didn't seem to be creating a significant wind slab problem.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
15"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Winds and new dense snow made for difficult trail breaking on Saturday particularly in wind affected areas. On Sunday this new dense snow had become more cohesive and supportable. Temperatures must have dropped a bit overnight Saturday which left a few inches of low density snow over snow from Saturday. This made for good right side up riding conditions.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Did not observe many of the typical signs of instability both days, despite lots of new snow. The February dirt layer is now burried by about 2 to 3 feet of new snow, which is difficult for a person to trigger outside of thin rocky areas. This is also capped by several strong crusts which help to isolate the poor structure.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Facets still compose the lower third of the snowpack. When digging a pit the upper part of the snow feels strong, then you eventually punch through to the old weaker faceted snow and it becomes pretty clear that there is still poor structure. This information would not show up using hand pits or ski cuts.

Interestingly, the south facing pit seemed to have weaker snow below the dirt layer which was suprising.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,500'
Slope Angle
22°
Comments

This pit was dug towards the NW most end of the Canyon. The pit below was dug not far from the Peak 5 gate.

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