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Observation: Salt Lake

Observation Date
12/19/2020
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Upper Little Cottonwood Canyon
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Winds remained mostly calm except on highest ridge lines where Moderate Wind Blown was observed.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Cloud Cover appeared to limit Solar effects. Excellent riding on settled Storm Powder.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Still getting cracking in the new snow on slopes of even 20 degrees on ENE aspects.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Of Note: Pit at ENE, 9990 feet, 20 degrees indicated multiple PWL's and Loose Dry Avalanche Problems. HS 100 cm; Fist down to 89 cm (Loose Dry Layer); Fist + down to 67 cm (Storm from 20201217-18); Thin Facet Layer from 24 hour break in Storm activity (CTM, ECTN13, but actually Propagated 2/3's across the column); 4 Finger down to 50 cm (20201212 Storm Interface to Old Snow); ECTP17 in Facets.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Upper Elevation ridgelines continue to see Strong Winds with Moderate observed in areas around 10000. Forecast calling for increasing winds overnight that are expected to be active even in lower elevations.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates