UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Observation: Brighton Perimeter

Observation Date
4/29/2022
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Brighton Perimeter
Location Name or Route
Brighton Perimeter
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
2 to 3 inches fell by 0700 in the Brighton periphery, mostly grauple and rimed PP. Sustained Moderate to Strong NW/WNW Winds with at least Moderate Wind Blown observed at Mid and Upper Elevations. Temperatures returned to winter like values with the first full overnight refreeze in the last 3 days. Sustained S1 Snowfall rates throughout the morning hours with sporadic periods of S2. Of note, by 1300, the late April sun came out in full force with the OVC skies giving way to FEW and then CLR by 1600,
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Good low angle riding on just enough new snow to allow for soft turning on surfaces that were smooth and unrutted before this small storm blew in. Bottom feeding on the steeper slopes, but at least the old snow surface had some texture and wasn't totally slick. Unfortunately, the pre-storm m/f crust was once again brown due to the perpetual dust layers that continue to be deposited. This issue will continue to haunt us allowing for the snowpack to aggressively melt out at a rapid rate, and more importantly riding wise, this promotes a much more uneven snow surface for future corn development.
The late April solar took out all of the cold dry snow by mid afternoon except on steep northerly facing aspects in the Upper Elevations.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
Wind Loading appeared to be the only significant Red Flag observed in Upper BCC. Storm Totals in Upper BCC appeared to be half of what was reported from Upper LCC. Despite the minimal amounts for this latest storm Isolated/Stubborn Wind Slabs of up to 12 inches deep were observed. Overnight temperatures in the teens rose rapidly to the mid to upper 30's by the mid afternoon hours at elevations below 9500 feet. Upper elevations appeared to remain cooler, yet the solar impact appeared to negate any of the possible positives from these colder temperatures on all but the shadiest of aspects.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
See above, and it was likely that Wind Slab issues were more of an issue in LCC with more snow available for Transport. Any of these lingering Wind Slabs may most likely settle out significantly by Saturday.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Just like the Wind Slab Problem, this issue was more likely an issue in LCC. No Wet Activity observed in travels today due to exiting before the solar took it's effect in the mid afternoon hours.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low