Observation: Alta Periphery

Observation Date
3/2/2019
Observer Name
Catino
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Alta Periphery
Location Name or Route
Alta Periphery
Comments
Skied in a couple different drainages today, with minimal activity noted. Some minor wind loading near ridges that faced ENE with no cracking and no results from cornice drops. Experienced very similar - low to moderate hazard - yesterday around BCC. Today very similar with just more snow added on top. The sluffs were the only thing to watch for in the terrain traveled today.
This observation is more of a note on a weak layer I found on a South facing slope walking up from the town of Alta during the morning. At 10K, on a south facing exposure, you could find the recent heat crust approx 15cm down - this is probably deeper now since it snowed most of the day. After shoving my pole in further I found a looser snow layer a bit deeper, and dug a quick pit to take a gander. Approx 50cm down from the surface is a weak layer (facets near the Feb 14th interface perhaps) of snow that pulled out fairly easily. Not much of an issue now - not enough load to tip it currently, but if the upcoming week's storm brings heavy snow and wind it may be something to watch for on steep loaded south aspects.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate