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Observation: Salt Lake

Observation Date
11/14/2020
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Upper BCC
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Overnight Strong Winds were observed even at 8000 feet, and they were widespread and sustained throughout the day on all elevations and aspects. Temperatures continued to drop throughout the day. There was no visibility due to the Intense Wind Blown.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
11"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Riding was acceptable but thick and slow in the most sheltered areas with widespread scouring in any exposed terrain; with the Upper Elevation terrain having the most Widespread damage.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Wind Slabs ranging from 4F to Knife in Hardness with depths of up to at least 45 cm; No Natural Activity observed, no visibility due to Intense Transport. The Right Side Up Snowpack Structure that was in place prior to the latest event is now in jeopardy. Any Upper Elevation Starting Zones that were stripped down due to the Winds will now have shallow snowpacks. And if we do not get any significant snowfall in the near future, the remaining snow in these kinds of locations will facet.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Steep Mid Elevation features, and Upper Elevation Mid Slope terrain features were suspect for Wind Slab Avalanche Problems. The Winds are still in at least the Moderate Category at 1700, and forecast to veer more out of the SW overnight. Sensitive Wind Slabs may be lingering on Sunday.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
The dense wind laden new snow that fell landed on lighter density snow from this last weeks events. This density change allowed for Very Easy Shears. These sensitivities may settle out signficantly overnight.
The forecast for Sunday calls for warming, and if the sun comes out in the late morning hours or afternoon there may be a potential for Wet Loose Avalanche Activity.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate