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Observation: Lambs Canyon

Observation Date
2/21/2021
Observer Name
Brackelsberg
Region
Salt Lake » Parleys Canyon » Lambs Canyon
Location Name or Route
Lambs Canyon
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Exposed ridgelines were wind scoured. Protected areas had very low density snow from the last storm on top of the past storm snow that has started to settle.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We were very surprised by the depth of the basal facets. 70cm is some of the deepest facet layers I have found. There was a solid, cohesive slab on top of these facets.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
I was curious to how the snowpack on the NW end of the Park City Ridgeline had changed over the past 2 weeks with all of the new snow. I was happy with the stability test results (ECTX, CT22, CT17) showing that the snowpack might be starting to strengthen. The large layer of facets that is only buried 1M is still a big concern and enough for me to not venture onto slopes over 28 degrees. While the stability tests indicate possible strengthening, the snowpack is still suspect to me and I am not trusting it yet.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
There is a significant amount of new snow for the wind to transport. See the photos below. The cornice on the ridge is as large as I have ever seen it and had a huge amount break off.
Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
9,400'
Slope Angle
26°
Comments
The cornice on the north/south ridgeline was massive. A section about 100M long had broken off (I assume naturally). See photo 1.
On the ridge, the cornice had cracked the snowpack back ~8M with a large crack (photo 2). In places, the crack was more then 1M deep (photo 3).
I have been traveling on this ridge for around 15 years and I have never seen a crack like this. This is must 1 more item this year showing how unusual our snowpack is. Many years there would have been a skin track on the cornice side of this crack. With the new snow we have had, cornices have grown huge and need to be given a lot of room.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates