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Observation: Neffs

Observation Date
2/3/2020
Observer Name
Luke
Region
Salt Lake » Neffs
Location Name or Route
Neff's Canyon
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Lots! Cold dry powder right side up, even at 6000'. We thought about sking anything along the SLC benches but there was no base. It felt like at least 15" of snow after skinning up Neff's a bit. Storm snow was deep but came in right side up.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Not a ton of wind when lower at sheltered spots but anything up higher was blasted by fairly consistent winds. Given the light density snow the wind is bound to cause some issues on peaks, ridgelines and anywhere up higher.
Comments
Overall felt pretty stable, some sluffing on slope angles greater than 30 degrees but not much energy or cohesion with the new snow. I still wouldn't be in terrain traps or high-consequence areas for a day or two as the forecast mentioned- being pushed into stream beds or gullies (or off cliffs) by new storm snow would be unfortunate and possibly disastrous.
FORECASTER NOTE: The poor structure, cracking and collapsing were checked as noted but not expanded upon in the write-up. More information is needed here. Thanks
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable