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Observation: Salt Lake

Observation Date
1/23/2019
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Brighton Periphery: Back Bowls, Figure 8
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Temperatures in the upper 20's throughout the day at 8000 feet, and mid to lower 20's at mid to upper elevations. Winds were extremely variable and swirling in the Brighton Back Bowls, and predominantly WNW. Winds were moderate with strong gusts, and wind blown and or transport was moderate to intense at times. S-1 snowfall rates throughout the day and by 1800 the storm appeared to arrive in force with at least S2 rates being sustained and continuing at 1900. HSN at 1900 is 8 cm.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Sheltered areas had dense settled powder that was creamy and excellent riding. In the more exposed terrain conditions were variable with areas of thick wind packed snow. There were also many areas in the upper bowl and Figure 8 that were less wind affected and the turning was very good. Overall the conditions were variable, but it was easy to find good riding. Trail breaking continues to get easier except in those areas with stiff wind slabs.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Reports of wind aided avalanches in the observations not surprising. The only avalanche observed in the area traveled was on the left flank of Stupid Chute 2 (Tuna Chute), and this appeared to involved some basal facets near the steep rocky left wall that separates Stupid 2 from the main Stupid Chute. Hard to say if this was new today, yet it hadn't been previously reported. Crown appeared to be at least a meter deep and pocket was relatively small: 50 feet wide. Visibility was extremely limited due to blowing snow and obscured skies. Winds were creating 4 finger plus slabs up to at least 30 cm thick, and they appeared to be stubborn and unreactive when testing them.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The winds were getting into mid elevation terrain as well in the upper zones. As noted above, the slabs encountered were stubborn and unreactive. With additional wind and snow overnight these winds slabs may become more widespread and potentially more sensitive.
With the winds contributing to the potential for naturals today, the danger appeared to be Considerable, and these winds are not expected to die down significantly at least in the upper elevations. As a result, the danger may continue to stay in the Considerable category for much of Thursday and until the winds abate.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Loose dry and Storm Slabs may become an issue if the forecast underestimates the final totals. Of note, the weak layer 10 cm down that has been yielding easy soft slab/shears/sluffing since the latest event, continues to show signs of weakness. And, with any additional loading from new snow and or wind this layer appears to still be an issue in protected areas.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable