UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Observation: Salt Lake

Observation Date
3/23/2018
Observer Name
Weston Deutschlander
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Twin Lakes
Weather
Weather Comments
From fog to sun today and everything in between. Did not expect to see the sun based on the forecast, but it popped out around 1400. Wind died off through the day.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Characteristics Comments

A few cm's at the grizz TH to 23cm at 10,300. I didn't think the snow was impossibly dense and was surprised how well it skied.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Wow, got just about every box on that one. Recent loose wet on S. Heavy snowfall in the AM tapering off around noon. Wind was moderate and was growing cornices. Saw a cornice collapse on patsy that I believe was natural. As soon as the sun came out the rollerballs started rolling. Saturated snow pack, rain penetration @ 9300ft about 20cm down.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

All that weird water has been making some weird avalanches. Would like to see it get cold and lock in some more. I do think the worst was last night.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Problem #2 Comments

Always amazes me when the sun comes out after being in the clouds/fog all morning. Instantly got warmer and instantly roller balls started cascading down from any exposed rock on the S.

Comments

9300ft

SW

6cm new snow

Rain penetrated about 20cm down

Ice balls on trees=not normal approx 10,000ft

10,300ft

S

23cm new snow

No rain

ECTN 25 failed on start of storm graupel

Roller city off Highway to heaven

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