Observation: Empire Pass

Observation Date
11/13/2020
Observer Name
Ethan Romer
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline » Empire Pass
Location Name or Route
Empire Pass
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
10-15 mph WSW winds @ 8000'
20-30 mph WSW winds @ 9000' ridgeline
lots of new, low density snow being drifted onto N and NW facing slopes forming 4-8" wind slabs.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Problem #2 Comments
Observed fast rate of snowfall above 9000'. Wasn't an issue on its own but was facilitating wind slab formation.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
9,000'
Comments
Left the parking lot at 4:00 PM. Temps were in low 20's with whiteout conditions. Strong WSW winds and a fast rate of snowfall was facilitating the growth of dense wind slabs. These 1F+ slabs were resting on 4F-F+ powder from the 11th. Despite the abrupt density change the snow was not particularly reactive on test slopes or in shear tests. My guess is that with consistent snowfall and wind overnight there will be medium sized, touchy slabs capable overloading this weak layer on N and NW slopes above 8000'. I plan on returning to the same location tomorrow to test this hypothesis.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates