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Observation: American Fork

Observation Date
3/28/2021
Observer Name
E
Region
Provo » American Fork
Location Name or Route
American Fork Canyon
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
High end Light SW winds were observed on the ridge lines. Little to no Wind Blown observed today, yet it was apparent that there was shallow wind slab development over the past 12 to 24 hours on the Upper Elevation Northerly aspects. Temperatures continue to remain below freezing overnight despite above average daytime highs. Interestingly, these daytime highs are contributing to significantly high RH values overnight.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
The latest round of new snow and the high RH values appear to keep the snowpack from completely transforming into a solid and dense spring like structure. The m/f crusts on many aspects are still not supportable.
Despite some slopes having these kinds of challenging riding, there was still great settled powder riding on NNW, N and NNE slopes that had angles of 25 degrees and greater.
In some of more Upper Elevation exposed terrain there were areas of Stubborn 1 finger Wind Slabs ranging from 3 to 6 cm thick.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
There was evidence of Widespread Natural Wet Loose Avalanche activity observed on aspects on the lower half of the compass, and these appeared to have occurred over the past 48 hours.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
When descending a North facing steep chute at 9860 feet, it was easy to initiate Loose Dry Avalanches that were at least 10 cm deep. These sluffs were entraining signficant amounts of surface snow, and it required sluff management techniques like shifting to adjacent chutes while moving down slope.
The warm afternoon temperatures after exiting Most Likely helped this problem to continue to settle out.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
The aforementioned Shallow Wind Slab issues may become more of an issue on Monday. The forecast is calling for Moderate to Strong gusting WSW Winds in the Upper Elevation terrain.
Exiting by 1300 did not allow for any observations of afternoon Wet Loose activity. It appeared that there was still the potential for additional activity in the Upper Elevation terrain.
It appeared that the Danger was Low on the majority of terrain traveled. Afternoon heating may have elevated the Danger to Moderate.
Mondays minimal snow and accellerating Winds may escalate the Danger to Moderate on Wind Loaded aspects and terrain features. Yet, until this problem manifests, the Danger may remain Low.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low