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Observation: Park City Ridgeline

Observation Date
4/28/2020
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline
Location Name or Route
Park City Ridge Line
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Skies overnight mostly clear (Few), with what appeared to be the last day in a while for a potential refreeze, even if just a minimal one. Temperatures at 0600 at 8000: 39 degrees with most Upper Elevation Stations reporting mid 30's. Definitely questionable refreeze below 9000. RH values in the 60's.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Thin overnight refreeze with not more than a 2 cm friable m/f crust from 8500 to 9900. In areas near heat gathering sources, no refreeze, just foot pens up to 60 cm deep. At elevations from 8000 to at least 8800 feet very difficult riding conditions and punchy. Ok, barely supportable riding above 8800.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
See avalanche observation from Kessler. Natural activity continued over the past few days, with no overnight refreezes below 9000 or the last three nights. Afternoon temperatures hitting +50 degrees at 9000. Of note, at 1100 today, there had been no new activity observed in South Monitor or in any of the north facing viewable terrain in BCC.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Wet Loose Very Certain in any steep terrain and on all aspects. Wet Slab Possible, especially on steep terrain on the upper half of the compass. And with the forecast for escalating temperatures over the next 48 hours, the trend for these potentialities will increase.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Cornice
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Any overhanging Cornices should be considered suspect for their stability. They may break much further back than expected, and their releases may potentially trigger larger avalanches when descending any steep terrain below.
In areas with terrain that has the potential for Glide Avalanches, caution may be warranted for large and dangerous Natural occurring Avalanches.
Comments
Summer hiking trails should not be considered for travel over the next 72 hours.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High