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Observation: Silver Fork

Observation Date
1/16/2020
Observer Name
Gagne/Pease
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Silver Fork
Location Name or Route
Silver Fork from BCC
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Sustained winds along the ridges, increasing through the morning hours.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Low elevations and wind-protected solar aspects were damp when exiting mid-day.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Widespread cornice development and wind-loading.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Wind deposits on all aspects at the mid and upper elevations. With increased wind, plenty of snow available for transport, and more snow on the way, this hazard will only increase. I was finding wind-affected snow down to ~9k, although with increasing winds I imagine wind deposits will work below that elevation.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
This may be isolated, but there have been a few avalanches this past week breaking down into old snow. Biggest concern is (1) repeater slopes and (2) steep rocky terrain.
Comments
The fresh wind drifts were unreactive to ski cuts and cornice drops, perhaps due to the warm temperatures. But with the structure of weaker snow underneath these denser wind slabs, it is possible to find a sensitive wind slab. Cornices are quite large and sensitive, with many breaking off naturally.
Photos are of winds at the upper elevations
Winds getting down into mid elevations.
Existing snow surface is not looking that weak due to winds and warm temperatures, so I am expecting the storm snow overnight and into Friday to bond well with the snow surface.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High