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Observation: Salt Lake

Observation Date
12/7/2022
Observer Name
Manship, Torrey, Collett
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Guardsman Area
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southeast
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Clouds started to move in around 1200 and light precip starting around 1300. Winds remained light, snow rates varied, we noted about 1" of accumulation by 1630.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Noted slight zipper crust on solar aspects from yesterdays sun.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
In our pits we noted an active persistent weak layer on top of the November drought snow.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
9,600'
Slope Angle
16°
Comments
We dug a snowpit near a ridge to see how the PWL would react on a more loaded slope. Our layer of concern was 84cm from the ground and we got an ECTP23 at this layer as well as a PST 41/100 to End on this layer. The slab on top of our layer of concern was P hard and cohesive. We noted some very large developed facets in this weak layer as well. (1st photo below of our first pit)
We dug another put at lower elevation (9300') in a protected meadow here our week layer was 74cm from the ground with a relatively thinner less cohesive slab on top. Our result here was an ECTP21 on this weak layer. (2rd photo below, of profile)
In the morning we where near the Guardsman Pass road and saw well developed surface hoar from the cool clear night. We also saw it on the ridge where we dug our pit, as we where leaving our pit there was about .75" of snow accumulated on this surface hoar.
Overall riding conditions where great with light powder on slopes that did not catch any sun yesterday. Coverage is great.
Photo below of surface hoar. Secdond photo is surface hoar from the ridgeline.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates