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Observation: Brighton Perimeter

Observation Date
3/18/2020
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Brighton Perimeter
Location Name or Route
Brighton Perimeter
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Very few breaks in the cloud cover throughout the morning hours, with S3 snowfall rates sustained. The SW Winds ramped up throughout the mid morning hours and peaked around 1230. At that point the cloud cover lessoned a bit the winds died down significantly. Transport at the peak hours was Strong with rapid loading of Soft Slab nature observed. The cloud cover dissipated by 1500 and there were periods of possible green housing.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Excellent spring Powder riding that was best on moderate to low angle slopes due to the firm crusts the new snow landed on. Old tracks, clinkers, and sastrugi provided a rough ride in areas where the old snow surface wasn't smooth.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Widespread Natural Loose Dry confined to the upper 6 inches of new snow at 1230. This problem confined to very steep terrain and the winds definitely provided a contributing factor in their reactivity.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Loose Dry as reported above. This problem should settle out significantly overnight, but still may be reactive in very steep terrain.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Any brief periods of direct solar on Thursday will likely instigate this issue and prompt Loose Wet activity in the new snow on exposed slopes. Slick and firm bed surfaces may allow these Loose Wet Avalanches to run considerably far and fast.
A Moderate Hazard for this issue on Thursday is dependent on the aforementioned contributing factor of Solar input.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate