UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Observation: Brighton Perimeter

Observation Date
4/24/2022
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Brighton Perimeter
Location Name or Route
Brighton perimeter
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Weather Comments
Skies were all the categories throughout the day. For the most part the skies were Scattered the majority of the time, but unfortunately the April sun was active enough by 1000 to begin taking its toll and damaging the new snow. S-1 intermittent snow showers throughout the day with no accumulations. Temperatures spiked by mid day in all areas but the highest ridge lines. The NW Winds abated for the first time in the past 3 days and were Light with no Wind Blown observed.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
11"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Abundant new snow totals in the past 24 hours, but it all fell during before 1700 hours on Saturday, with very little overnight. Significant settlement overnight and riding conditions changed drastically, but not for the bad. Riding was creamy today with Ski Penetration 1/2 of what it was the day before. On all aspects and slopes, before the sun dampened the snow surfaces, the riding was excellent. Unfortunately, the only cold snow surviving todays weather will be found on steep northerly facing terrain. The recent damaging winds left scoured surfaces on exposed upper elevation NW terrain features.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
In the early morning hours lingering Wind Slabs were easily/intentially triggered on steep slopes. By mid day this sensitivity appeared to settle out significantly. Loose Dry Avalanches were also reactive and slope cuts were able to initiate shallow activity on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. Natural Loose Wet Avalanches were observed as early as 1030 on ESE facing steep aspects.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
See above for Wet Loose activity observed. Tour ended by 1430 and it was likely that additional widespread Wet Loose activity continued to be an issue as the warm temperatures and the day burned on. This appeared to be the only real avalanche problem of concern today in areas traveled. As the temperatures escalate on Monday, and the skies become CLR, this problem may continue to be an issue.
The forecast is calling for sustained extremely warm temperatures during the incoming week, and any lingering overhanging Cornices may begin to shed naturally.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Very steep slopes in the highest upper elevation regions (that were Wind Loaded over the past few days) may still be housing pockets of potentially reactive Wind Slabs.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate