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Observation: Brighton Perimeter

Observation Date
4/12/2022
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Brighton Perimeter
Location Name or Route
Brighton perimeter: Salt lake and Wasatch County areas
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Cloudy skies with only one brief period of sunshine in the mid afternoon. Continuous snowfall occurred throughout the day with rates ranging from S1 to S3. Daytime accumulations amounted to 5 to 10 cm. Winds were variable and were out of the West vacillating from WSW to WNWl. They were Moderate gusting too Strong. These velocities were experienced predominantly at Upper Elevations, yet they were also observed at Mid and Lower Elevations. Temperatures remained unseasonably cold.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Overnight snow totals in the Brighton and Silverfork area were 8 inches, and the densities were surprisingly heavier than expected due to the cold temperatures that were occurring during the hours of precipitation, Winds and atmospheric condtions appeared to play a role in the "cake like" feeling of the new snow layers. Slopes 30 degrees and steeper were scatchy with the old snow surface being felt while turning. The old snow surface was rough and in many places resembled Coral Reef textures, and these were especially found in areas that were wind scoured. Almost all exposed Upper Elevation W through NW facing features had firm "Slide for Life" m/f Crusts. Bonding to this rough surface was good and the warm temperatures prior to the storm may have aided in this.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
The only avalanche observed was a small (30 foot wide) Wind Slab that ran on an extremely steep North facing Convex Rollover off of the Pioneer Ridge Line. Besides that, there were 3 to 4 cm inconsequential Loose Dry stuffs observed in very steep terrain. Sustained Moderate Winds with Strong Gusts and at least Moderate Wind Blown was observed at all elevations with the Upper Elevations being more active. Beginning at 1400 hours and still at 1800 hours Precipitation Intensity and Rates have significantly increased and Snowfall has been exceeding S2 rates.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Stubborn Wind Slabs and Whales up to 60 cm deep were observed in the Upper Eleavtion Terrain. With the Winds forecast to continue with velocities capable of transporting signficant amounts of snow (along with any new loading from precip), this problem may Likely be more of an issue on Thursday.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Cornice
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Sensitive Cornices have been developing on the Leaward Upper Elevation Ridge Lines.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates