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Observation: Salt Lake

Observation Date
11/3/2022
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Catherine's Basin/Pass Area Big Cottonwood Canyon
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Winds were calm in the am and began to accelerate in the early afternoon hours. When exiting at 1400 there was still no significant transport observed. Temperatures remained in the teens, yet when the sun made brief/periodic appearances it still felt a bit like late fall rather than early winter. All of this may change next week with the passing of the first day of "Pagan Winter" as we move inside the six week window preceding the Winter Solstice. Yet the biggest piece may be if the weather forecast for next week verifies.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
13"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
New snow from yesterdays event settled out significantly and the riding improved overnight. Excellent early season turning was found. Light snowfall (S-1) was occurring during the day with minimal accumulation. Another 3 to 5 inches fell since yesterday at 1800, and Storm Totals appeared to be at least 13 inches in most locations. Unreactive 4Finger Wind Slabs were observed on S and SW Upper Elevation aspects.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
A couple of isolated/non-radiating Collapses were observed on buried m/f crusts on S and SE aspects. Snow Pit results from 10,100 feet, NW: HS 70cm, CTM BRK @ 30 cm down in buried NSF's, CTH SC in Basal Facets at 69 cm down. Basal Facets were 1.5mm and Dry. Several small Loose Dry Avalanches were observed emanating from very steep Northerly facing terrain, and these likely occurred during the High PI Rates during the latest event.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Reports from the PC Ridgeline as well as data observed from Upper Elevation remote weather sites indicate that the winds have increased since early afternoon. Ample snow available for transport.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Normal Caution
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
As previously stated above, multiple PWL's have been observed in our early season snow pack. At this point, none of these appear to be an issue, and obviously the best thing that can happen is for next weeks forecast to verify on the high side. Any sustained periods that will allow our sub-one meter snowpack to persist will likely lead to further Basal Facet development.
At this point, the regular early season hazards appear to be the biggest danger
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low