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Observation: Park City Ridgeline

Observation Date
12/4/2022
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline
Location Name or Route
Scott's Pass
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Rapidly Warming temperatures overnight with unseasonably warm temps throughout the day. SSW Winds escalated into the Moderate category with Light Wind Blown observed even in protected mid-elevation locations. Light/S-1 snowfall throughout the day with only a dusting for accumulations.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
New snow from latest event continues to settle out and become more dense, but excellent riding on all aspects.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Cracking
Collapsing
Red Flags Comments
No new recent avalanches observed in travels today, but continued to observe widespread collapsing. Snow pit at 9250 yielded sudden results in Buried SH. Note gray stripe in attached photo, SH was 3mm and well preserved.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Slab continues to become more cohesive and likely more connected with settlement of the new/latest snow event. Reactivity may not be as sensitive, but that may mean that it will be easier to get out further on the slab before it releases
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
SSW Winds ramped up by mid-morning and appeared to be very active on the upper elevation ridgelines, and were even transporting Wind Blown snow at a moderate level in the mid elevations.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates