Observation: Reynolds Pk

Observation Date
12/17/2020
Observer Name
L. Dunn, P. Lambrose
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Reynolds Pk
Location Name or Route
spruces to reynolds peak
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Light snow fell on and off through midday. There was little change in temperature. It was mild with temperatures near 30 at Spruces and low to mid 20s on the ridge at 9400'. There were a few wind gusts, but just a few, mostly the winds were light, even on the ridge. There was no snow transport by the winds at our elevation.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
We saw 1-2" of snowfall accumulation through 3pm Thursday along our route. The snowfall rate was generally light the entire time with a few periods where it stopped snowing completely. The snowpack was a 3 layer cake above Dog Lake with the most recent storm snow, about 4-5" of settled powder (Sunday Night/Monday storm) on top, the next layer down had a noticable crust or top surface to the 4-5" of light powder from last Friday/Saturday's storm, and at the bottom a layer that represents whatever is left from the November storms. On northerly aspects this is either loose facets or wind damaged crusty snow. On southerly aspects, this bottom layer is missing and it's just rocks, dirt, and vegetation. The total snowdepth on the northerly aspects is about 18" and generally about 6-12" of low density snow on other aspects. Where there is enough snow on a mostly grassy subsurface it's skiable, and everywhere else is sporty combat with the bushes and the rocks.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We saw no cracking or collapsing all day, but as noted by others, its just waiting for a load on the northerly aspects.
The danger rating for today is just for the Mill D North area and by far and away the greatest danger right now is rocks and downed trees. Hopefully tomorrow's danger will be more due to the addition of new snow.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable