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Observation: Superior

Observation Date
2/24/2019
Observer Name
Nathan Chaszeyka
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Superior
Location Name or Route
Mt Superior/Monte Cristo
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
While temperatures at the base were notably warmer than the past few days, ridgeline winds drained body heat and threatened to freeze exposed skin quickly. Wind transported snow stung as it hit my face and sandblasted my skin.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Very mixed surface conditions today. While the skiing was decent, it wasn't the great powder we experienced earlier in the week on southerly aspects. Dense loose snow mixed in with wind crusts up high. Warmer temperatures combined with radiant energy dampened the surface snow in the lower elevations as we worked back to the road. I suspect that this may have been the last decent day of south facing conditions and that a frustration crust will likely form overnight until we get some more snowfall.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
Wind loading and wind slabs were found on numerous aspects but remain stubborn. Localized cracking in wind loaded snow, and hollow-sounding cornices were noted at higher elevation along the ridge lines and open faces. A few spooky sections had me fairly on edge, but I was able to navigate these sections with careful route finding and avoidance of those specific areas.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
The winds seems to have affected every aspect. Stubborn wind slabs were found, especially at the higher elevations, and had me feeling on edge in a few areas. Though the recent avalanches from these slabs have been relatively shallow, getting carried is certainly possible and would be very problematic in the wrong terrain.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Cornice
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
There are some monster cornices on the ridgelines. The continued winds will be adding to their size and loading. They appear to be rather soft and the cracking I noted leaves me feeling that they could be unstable if provoked. I gave them as wide a berth as possible, not only for the safety of myself and my group, but for those who may be traveling below us as well.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate