Observation: Summit Park

Observation Date
1/23/2021
Observer Name
Mike Scarpulla
Region
Salt Lake » Parleys Canyon » Summit Park
Location Name or Route
Summit park glades
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Saw cracking on north facing glades. Nothing slid on run
Comments
New drifted storm snow on the north facing glades is atop drifts of complete sugar depth hoar up to a foot or more deep. Was cracking/collapsing a bit on descent but slope wasn't enough to make it run. On rollovers or steeper sections in the trees things could go tomorrow easily and be enough to catch, carry and bury. Terrain traps in that area. On tempting drop in down 20' embankment behind water tower storm snow and hoar slid to ground when snow dumped from top. Accumulation at base would be enough to partially bury someone (see most of ski pole in debris pile in photo). The snow sitting for weeks in the trees is a time bomb with this new wet snow on top.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Extreme
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Extreme