Observation: Alta Periphery

Observation Date
3/8/2019
Observer Name
Malone
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Alta Periphery
Location Name or Route
Alta periphery
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
We were able to easily trigger multiple small wind slabs with ski cuts. The two largest were about 30’ to 40’ wide and 6” deep, on N to NE facing terrain. These were very sensitive to the weight of a skier and ran about 100’ to 200’, D1. They appeared to be failing on yesterday’s graupel. Winds were light overnight but significantly stronger in the afternoon, with plenty of available snow for transport. Photos 1 and 2 of wind slab D1.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
We skied a W facing slope late in the day, as PIs reached 4” an hour, and saw increasing connectivity with cracking and long running sluffs.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High