Observation: Snowbird periphery

Observation Date
4/23/2018
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Snowbird periphery
Location Name or Route
Snowbird Periphery
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Moderate West winds only perceptable on upper elevation exposed areas. No wind blown observed. Light rain/snow in the early morning for a brief period and then clearing skies by 1000. Temperatures rose rapidly during the day.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

All aspects up to 10,150 had a 2 cm damp surface layer. Cold dry snow was found beneath this layer at these upper elevation northerly facing locations. Minimal refreeze yet supportable good riding conditions in wet snow. Boot pen up to 20 cm and greater on southerly aspects in the afternoon hours. M/F did not soften up on high northerlies until late morning.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Multiple D1.5 wet loose noted on Superior, and on northerly aspects at upper elevations from previous day. 1 cm rain crust noted as high as 9900 feet on southerlies.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

With daytime heating.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Cornice
Problem #2 Comments

Significant cornices still suspect with daytime heating.

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