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Observation Date
11/30/2018
Observer Name
Andrew Nassetta / Bo Torrey
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline
Location Name or Route
PC Ridgeline
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Started the day out at 8200' from Entry 1 @ Solitude with temperatures in the upper 20's and broken skies. Made our way towards the park city ridgeline via West Willow Ridge. Snow totals at upper elevations were anywhere from 4-8 inches of mid-desnisty snow that provided excellent riding conditions on the south half of the compass. Winds were light for the greater part of the morning as skies cleared for a short while. At 12:00 pm the next front began to make its way in -- temperatures dropped and westerly winds picked up significantly. By 1:15 pm the storm had settled in. Winds continued to increase and were blowing strong from the west, snowfall moderate (S2) and visibility was poor. The Cottonwoods are expected to pick up another 3-5 inches overnight with the pattern continuing to be active.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The red flags say it all. Rapid changes in weather events over the past few days have only stressed our already weak snow pack even more. Give it time, and respect the obvious clues.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Like Mr. Greg Gagne said in his forecast this morning, the persistent weak layer has become tricky, these are non-manageable avalanches and need to be given time and respect .In the SnowPilot profile below notice how recent weeks storms ares sitting on top of early-season weak, faceted snow.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,800'
Slope Angle
20°
Comments
Throughout our travel today we experienced widespread cracking and collapsing. Small test slopes provided good beta throughout the day for what the bigger picture has in store. From the collapses, poor snowpack structure, and cracking at our skis on the skin track and larger fractures, such as the ones in the image below (see South Monitor avalanche report 11/31/18) confirm the high avalanche danger forecasted on the north side of the compass . The persistent weak layer we are dealing with is hanging around -- make a point to not travel on, under, or connected to slopes greater than 30 degrees.
Video
The image below highlights major layers in this seasons snowpack. Take notice to the most recent storms snow in the upper third along with the Thanksgiving week just below that.
Although these recent storms have provided a great base for skiing, riding and the season to come the foundation of the snow pack is very weak and sugary on northern aspects (persistent weak layer).
The good news, aside from the great skiing and riding on low angle slopes and southern aspects, is that cold temperatures and an active storm pattern have provided for great exits out of these same areas.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High
Coordinates