Observation: White Pine

Observation Date
1/23/2020
Observer Name
L. Dunn
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » White Pine
Location Name or Route
LCC>White Pine>Spire
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Weather Comments
Light snow fell through the morning with little additional accumulation. Visibility was limited due to fog. There was little or no wind where we were at 9800'. The trees were covered in rime, but it wasn't riming during our tour.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
The snow was very dense and there was a layer of rime just under the top surface as if freezing drizzle/rime had been occurring early Thursday morning. In places where wind had hit the snow, the snow was inverted and punchy, but we were mostly in trees and areas with little wind effect. Outside of the wind effected areas, the snow was dense and surfy and made for good skiing. We saw no cracking or signs of slab formation, even in the most open slopes we covered. It was pretty much just a lot of graupel and other heavily rimed snow that combined with wind to reset the snow surface. Trail breaking was very easy as we didn't sink in very far.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate