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Observation: Mineral Basin

Observation Date
1/13/2019
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Snowbird Ski Resort » Mineral Basin
Location Name or Route
Lower Mineral Basin
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Clear skies, and calm winds in the am with light winds veering more out of the SW by late afternoon. Light wind blown and or transport observed at the highest elevations during these late afternoon hours. Temperatures remained mild at lower elevations, while the mid to upper elevations appeared to stay seasonably cool, especially in shady zones. Overnight lows continue to dig into the low teens, and even single digits in the mountainous valley bottoms.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Variable conditions with daytime warming softening the southerly aspects, and subsequently freezing once the sun passes more westerly as the day burns on. Wind board and or old slabs continue to break down with diurnal recrystallization in full force due to the frigid overnight lows combining with the daytime highs. Riding continues to improve as the surface snow becomes more faceted. Weak surface snow up to 10 cm deep observed, and even low angle SE aspects are now riding well in dense carve-able snow that was one firm wind board. Interestingly, it appears that more terrain is now opening up for decent/fun riding even though it has not snowed in a week. Small isolated pockets of suspect wind slab still exist in the upper elevations.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The vast majority of the terrain observed has some form of weak surface snow, and when the next round of precipitation and or significant wind adds another layer, we may see this become a factor of concern. Snow pits on northerly facing terrain with HS ranging from 105 to 135 cm continue to show lingering PWL issues, yet no sudden results of note in scores and or testing. Chaining DH noted in several locations with depths ranging from 7 to 10 cm. As well, mid pack lingering unreactive weaknesses still being found at 65 cm and 30 cm down in very shady/protected terrain.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Normal Caution
Problem #1 Comments
Avalanche danger/hazard appears to be low in most locations with daytime heating the primary concern. Steep sunny aspects still yielding roller balls when receiving direct solar, yet no significant wet loose observed. Lingering stubborn small wind slabs in steep upper elevation terrain may still be considered suspect even if only for the issues they may present if and when triggering one in high consequence situations. Persistent weak layers appear to be dormant at this point in time.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low