Observation Date
11/23/2022
Observer Name
Pressman, Kelly
Region
Salt Lake » Mill Creek Canyon
Location Name or Route
Gobblers
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Obscured skies above 9000' with light riming on the leeward side of the trees. Below 9000' cloud deck allowed for better visibility. Strong north winds above 9000' moving snow around on the ridgelines and loading southerly facing slopes and terrain features.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
1"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Light snowfall during the day with approximately an inch of new snow. Good skiing. Still a thin snowpack below 7800'
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Textbook- round, smooth deposits of wind drifted snow 6-8" deep on the leeward side of terrain features. We were able to get shooting cracks. Very stubborn wind drifts and I can imagine on wider wind drifts one might be able to travel further out before they have the potential to break above you.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
9,200'
Slope Angle
28°
Comments
HS was 85 cm with approximately 45cm of fist +/- on top of a slight crust. Crystals on the ground were still damp. Compression test fracture was above the crust.
Photo 1- Isolated wind drift reactive to skis
Photo 2- Wind drifted snow on top of small grained faceted layer
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates
