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Observation: White Pine

Observation Date
3/28/2018
Observer Name
Mark Staples
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » White Pine
Location Name or Route
White Pine
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Strong winds were the main weather feature today. Just a few snowflakes falling. Lots of wind damage to yesterday's great skiing conditions. I didnt go above 9500 and didnt find any wind slabs but they likely exist at ridgetops.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Characteristics Comments

Thin crust from sunshine yesterda and wind drifted snow from today's winds on top of a very hard and thick crust from March 22nd rain event.

Comments

Wind slabs were the main concern today and will likely be an issue tomorrow (Thursday).

First photo below of snowpit at 8000 feet on a W aspect. It has a few inches of soft snow on top. Then a very thick hard crust from the March 22nd rain.

Second photo of snowpit at 9300 feet on a NE aspect. 2 meters of very hard, strong, stable snow.

Video below of winds today.

Video

Lastly, how did our snowpack "turn around"? Quck video below trying to explain it.

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