Observation Date
12/4/2022
Observer Name
Snavely
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » White Pine
Location Name or Route
White Pine
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Gusting moderate to strong winds from the S/SW blowing light snow throughout the day.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Variable surface conditions due to the warm temperatures and wind effect.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
With warming temps the slab above our PWL is gaining cohesion. We found it to be 40cm thick (1F) at this location, above 1.5mm near surface facets. Increasing trend with the incoming new slow load and strong winds.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Visible snow transport due to strong winds in places you may not expect it, including swirling around small terrain features well away from the ridgeline. Increasing trend as we accumulate additional snow available for transport.
Comments
Snowpit dug at 8,500', 8* N, on a 16* slope. CT 5 down 40, ECTP 11 down 40.
Similar results from other extended column tests throughout the Wasatch. With all of the available data pointing in the wrong direction we opted to avoid being on or under even smaller pockets of steep terrain. Fast and fun settled powder in the trees made for great skiing and kept our decision making simple.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates
