Observation Date
11/7/2021
Observer Name
Mark Staples
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Alta Ski Area
Location Name or Route
E Castle
Comments
The snowpack is very dense and hard overall. Below 9500 feet the snow has been subjected to warm temps and is mostly hard and refrozen. Above about 10,000ft on northerly facing slopes, there are some facets forming near the surface. Not much of a concern at the moment.
Photo below shows the snowpack on a NNE facing slope at 10,430 feet that is just over 2 feet deep. There are two crusts near the surface with some very small faceted crystals between them. The facets are not well developed but forming nonetheless. More snow is coming this week. With dry weather following, I suspect the new snow will facet to some degree as well.
Generally, it's not a question of IF the current snowpack will facet, it's a question of how bad will it be? No need to make predictions at this point. There are 4-6 weeks ahead in which things can change drastically. Wind, temperatures, snowfall, and cloud cover will all play a big role.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates