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Observation: Murdock Peak

Observation Date
1/1/2023
Observer Name
Brackelsberg
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline » Murdock Peak
Location Name or Route
Park City Ridgeline: Murdock Peak
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
It was snowing >1"/hour while we were out.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
18"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
There was a distinct unfrozen rain layer beneath the new snow up to 7,900'.
The new snow was very low density.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
In the area we were in, our biggest concern today was the new snow. In our snowpit, we dug 130cm deep and did not reach the persistent weak layer.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,900'
Slope Angle
21°
Comments
201cm of total snow for Murdock Peak is a big snow pack. Looking back at all of my Murdock Peak snow profiles since 2010, I did not find another one over 185cm.
The main weak layer we found was the dirt layer from the strong southwest winds in December.
We were unable to get any extended column test results. We did get a compression test (CT9) on a very small layer of graupel from early in the storm.
Slope cut results were in agreement with our pit results. We were able to only get new snow avalanches with our slope cuts. See this avalanche submission.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High
Coordinates