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Observation: Salt Lake

Observation Date
2/18/2021
Observer Name
E
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Brighton/Alta Perimeter: Catherines/Dry Fork
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Cold temperatures all day with intermittent sun mixed with totally Overcast and occasional low clouds and fog. Very Light Snowfall with possibly 1 inch of new during the day. The WNW winds were on the high end of the Light category only observed on the ridge lines. Light Wind Blown observed with the skin track filling in.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Two more inches of snow overnight, with amazing Storm Totals. Periods of solar in the late morning to early afternoon allowed for the steeper southerlies to get briefly damp and crust even at the Upper Elevations. The resulting m/f crust was only a zipper in thickness at Upper Elevations, while at 9200 feet there was a 1 inch thick crust at the end of the day. The light density blower snow that was prevalent the past two days has settled significantly and become more dense and buoyant. Great riding in bottomless deep carvable snow. Storm Totals in Dry Fork appeared to have settled out to 4 feet. Significant Wind Damage and sculpting on the ridges.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Poor Snowpack Structure in the Upper Cottonwoods appears to be in the transitional stages of turning around, yet the avalanche reported in Rocky Points in steep rocky terrain continues to identify lingering issues even in these zones that have deep snowpacks. The variability of the PWL's continues to be of concern in areas like Mill Creek and the PC Ridgeline. The lack of Widespread Avalanche Activity in the areas traveled could be viewed as surprising. The most notable was the slide reported in Tuscarora with the two in the Rocky Points as the only others that were obvious. There were multiple other slides that appeared to have run during the Storm and were mostly filled in. Widespread Loose Dry were everywhere in steep terrain, with the most notable filled in Storm Slab in the steep ENE facing terrain that overhangs Lake Martha. There were several other moderately small pockets of Storm Slab observed as well. The new snow was well behaved and there were no significant concurrent Red Flags while riding in Dry Fork and Rocky Points.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Cornice
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The most obvious Avalanche Problem was the presence of large and overhanging Cornices that were quite sensitive. Natural Cornice Falls were strewn in the obvious places along the ridgelines. Chunks the size of small cars were easily dislodged. These Cornices will continue to be of concern with the forecast for new snow and wind.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
See above.
Wet Loose was minimal today at the Upper Elevations, yet it was Likely that at the Mid and Lower Elevations this Avalanche Problem was widespread. Any sustained periods of clear skies around mid day will Likely allow the Problem to increase in distribution.
Overall the Danger/Hazard appeared to be Moderate in the areas traveled, yet the Danger/Hazard is obviously more serious in other zones. Any more new snow and or wind will elevate the Danger in areas traveled today as well as in other locations.
Of Note: Roof Avalanches will be of concern on Friday with large loads ready to shed.
Comments
Overhanging Cornices in Dry Fork.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable