Observation: Red Pine Gulch

Observation Date
12/4/2022
Observer Name
Manship, Collett, Brotherton
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Red Pine Gulch
Location Name or Route
Red Pine
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Cloudy with period of light snow. Warm temps.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
At lower elevations snow was damp from warm temps, at mid elevations snow felt dense and consolidated. It made for good riding.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We had no in your face signs of instability but noted sugary snow below the dense recent snow. We could see wind transport at upper elevations.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Weak faceted snow seemed to be present on many aspects below recent snowfall. Although we did not get cracking or collapsing the structure is there.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Wind was blowing, and snow was moving. At upper elevations wind loading was happening.
Snow Profile
Comments
In our pit we noted faceted snow below the recent storms. A layer of interest for us was 35-38cm from the ground with large grains of decomposing crust (photo below of grains and photo through loop). We did not get results in our particular location with an ECT.
This morning it was raining in the canyon until about the White Pine Trailhead. For about 30 minutes around 1130 there was S1 snowfall. After that it remained overcast and warm with S-1 snowfall. The snow felt consolidated and very supportable but still soft on top, it skied like spring storm riding conditions. Winds where light but gusting moderate at times in the sheltered terrain we stuck too. On the exit snow surface was sticky and warm with roller balls falling from trees present at low elevations.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates