Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Weather Place Names Map Archives
Education
Avalanche Class List UAC Class List Online Classes Resources and Tutorials Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Observation: Sunset Peak

Observation Date
1/15/2022
Observer Name
Kelly
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Sunset Peak
Location Name or Route
Sunset Peak
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Calm winds, clear skies with temps that kept the North facing terrain cool and dry.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Characteristics Comments
North and east facing was starting to recrystallize with a light crust just under the surface. West facing terrain had taken a bit of sun and was soft and supportable.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Still finding signs of weak snow on the ground although it appears to be turning the corner and starting to round out on the edges. Snowpack ranged from 100cm to over 220 cm on north facing terrain with average of 100cm on west facing terrain.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Normal Caution
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
I saw signs of wet loose activity from prior days warming. It would appear that unless the temps spike dramatically that the south and west facing terrain would continue with normal caution for warming in the afternoon and we'll have to watch the north and east facing terrain surface prior to the next storm.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
10,400'
Slope Angle
38°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates