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Observation: Brighton Perimeter

Observation Date
1/8/2019
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Brighton Periphery: Mt. Millicent South Face, Wolverine Bowl, Wolverine Chutes, Upper and Lower Mary Chutes
Weather
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Rapid warming was occurring by 1030 and temperatures spiked in the early afternoon. E-NE winds were in the low end of the Light range only on the ridges only, and Calm elsewhere. No wind blown observed.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Riding conditions were stiff, thick, and wind packed in the upper elevations. In mid elevation protected areas the turning was a bit more friendly and creamy. Overall the supportability improved greatly from Monday. Wide skis and snowboards appeared to have a penetration ranging from 5 to 15 cm deep despite the fact that foot penetration was at least 60 cm.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Poor Snowpack Structure observed on steep shady shallow rocky aspects in the Upper Mary Chutes harboring advanced facets; and likely in these kinds of locations in other isolated areas. Previously reactive wind slabs from the weekend appeared to be bridged by the abundant wind and snow that fell since Saturday evening. In the areas traveled (and the surrounding observed slopes) there appeared to be minimal natural activity from the latest event. It appeared that the intense winds stiffened up the new snow and created stubborn wind slabs. Roller balls were observed on steep upper elevation slopes by 1100 hours, and by 1030 these steep SE and S aspects were getting damp, and there will be stout crusts on SE, S and SW aspects with slope angles >25 degrees.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Despite the fact that there was little to no natural activity observed, there was a 5 cm to 15 cm one finger to pencil hard wind slab presence in many locations on upper elevation slopes. Very steep slopes remain suspect. Slabs appeared stubborn and unreactive, yet there may be more sensitive isolated slabs on very steep slopes. 
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
See above for wet loose activity, and it may be warmer tomorrow. 
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate

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