Observation Date
1/19/2019
Observer Name
Paradis / Gibson
Region
Salt Lake » Parleys Canyon » Lambs Canyon
Location Name or Route
Lambs Canyon
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
No clouds in the morning but higher elevations were obscured and in the cloud layer by about 1pm. Some light snow showers later in the day. Winds were not remarkable. Relatively warm.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow surface both today and yesterday was relatively dense. Winds during the storm packed snow together a bit. Snow was more dense in open areas than in protected trees.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
I was surprised that we did not see more obvious signs of instability such as cracking and collapsing. Prior to this most recent series of storms, surface snow in this area was quite weak and faceted. We looked for these clues on test slopes and cornices with no real results.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
We found preserved facets from before this most recent series of storms in our snow pit. These combined with a new snow load are problematic.
In addition, the snowpack in this area is thin and basal facets could still be an issue.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,200'
Slope Angle
26°
Comments
Snowpit was in a particularly thin area, which could make it less than representative. There were also some shrubs at the bottom of the snow pit that could have influenced our test results.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates
