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Observation: Empire Pass

Observation Date
12/23/2021
Observer Name
Bodi Marzka
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline » Empire Pass
Location Name or Route
Empire Pass
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Wind Drifted snow causing small soft slab on surface 2 cm in depth.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Compression test resulted in CTM at around 35 cm between different densities of snow. Extended Column Test resulted in ECTN 25 at around 12 cm on medium sized faceted layer (Column was not fully isolated after closer inspection).
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,900'
Comments
Persistant weak layer in full effect on North aspects due to ground layer. Wind blown snow causing soft slab with surface cracking and collapsing on all NW-E aspects above 8000 feet. Due to new snow and high winds storm slabs may be in effect throughout the next 24 hours.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High
Coordinates