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Observation: USA Bowl

Observation Date
2/3/2019
Observer Name
Tomasz Stefankowski, Nate Rockwood
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » USA Bowl
Location Name or Route
USA Bowl
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Best skiing was found on mid elevation wind sheltered slopes. Upper elevation slopes on the southern half of the compass were wind effected with good riding on top of a wind skin.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Shooting cracks breaking in wind loaded micro features on WSW terrain in USA bowl. Yesterday a N facing test slope produced similar cracks but without any new snow, so buried wind slabs may be a concern.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Cracking in fresh wind drifts yesterday was indicative that wind slabs are a concern even without new snow. Recent snowfall and strong winds have created reactive (but not sensitive) wind slabs even on windward terrain.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Bo Torrey, Nate and I dug a snowpit on ENE @ 8600 ft in Mill F East Fork. Found a layer of buried surface hoar 30cm down. CT10 SC and ECTP 11 both failing on surface hoar. While reactive, the slab was fist to 4F hardness so stability tests are questionable. I'd be concerned about preserved surface hoar in areas where the wind didn't get to it.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates