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Observation: Brighton Perimeter

Observation Date
2/15/2020
Observer Name
Paradis
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Brighton Perimeter
Location Name or Route
Brighton Perimeter
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Variable weather. Started sunny, then the wind picked up a little and a few flakes fell around 2pm. It was pretty warm in the sun but a little bit of wind along the ridges made you want to put on a jacket.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow was getting a bit damp on south facing slopes but stayed good on more northerly / protected aspects. Snow was supportable with only a couple inches of ski penetration.
The little bit of new snow from this week also created a thin wind skin in spots. This had partially filled in some old skin tracks and would break easily as you walked. Another party noted a small wind pocket which was also probably from the little bit of snow during the week. This could be a factor in spots with new snow tomorrow.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
No real red flags today.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Normal Caution
Problem #1 Comments
Nothing really of concern today.
Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
9,700'
Slope Angle
24°
Comments
There did seem to be a little bit of weak snow about 10cm down around what was likely a stronger layer of wind affected snow. Snow below this was a bit weaker too but was also non-reactive in snowpit tests. I'm not sure if tomorrow's storm will be enough to produce avalanches on this layer.
Overall the snow surface was not particularly slick or cold so I'd expect a reasonable bond out of wind affected areas. The little bit of wind skin in places will probably be more of a factor tomorrow.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates