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Observation: Brighton Perimeter

Observation Date
1/28/2019
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Brighton Perimeter
Location Name or Route
Brighton/Alta Perimeter
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
AM cloud cover gave way to few after noon. Winds were in the high end of the moderate category before noon and then appeared to back off to the light category. Light wind blown and or transport only in the am. Temperatures appeared to drop a few more degrees again today as we get intrenched in a dry cold front. S-1 (Light) snowfall in the am with little to no accumulations.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Early cloud cover appeared to keep the snow surface from warming significantly today. Snow surface conditions actually appear to be improving with NSF-ing and SH developing, and in essence breaking down old wind slabs and allowing the latest batch of wind transport to foster creamy turning conditions in more terrain than the past few days. Sheltered terrain is riding a bit faster in the recycled powder, and even in the upper elevations the wind board appears more friendly. Southerly facing slopes with angles >25 degrees continue to have m/f crusts that can be challenging.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
The only potential red flag in the areas traveled today (Twin Lakes Pass back around to Catherines and Lake Martha) appeared to be lingering wind slabs; and in the upper elevations terrain on very steep slopes these may have still been reactive. Yet, none were observed even in the upper reaches of Rocky Points or Sunset.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
See above
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Too much activity the past week breaking into old snow layers to consider this problem a non-issue. Steep Rocky terrain in the upper reaches of the mid elevations as well as the alpine are possible suspect locations for this lingering problem. And, it appears that most avalanches in the past week have had some sort of easterly aspect involved. This most likely is due to the prevailing westerly winds. Low Probability/High Consequence continues to be how to look at this issue.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate