Observation: Parleys Canyon

Observation Date
1/11/2023
Observer Name
Staples
Region
Salt Lake » Parleys Canyon
Location Name or Route
Parleys Canyon
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2'
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Very dense new snow (~ 2 inches of water) that was upside down.
Comments
Skied around the 7500 foot level. Total snow about 230 cm which is unreal.
The main issue was the inverted (upside down) new snow which would break 6-8 inches deep. ECT's would propagate across the whole column but we couldn't get any small steep slope to crack, collapse, or move in any way.
Stepping above the skin track would causes the new snow to break under our skis but would never break any further in front of us (ie propagate). Despite being inverted, the new snow felt welded into place.
We didn't get on anything steep for the simple reason that there was a ton of new snow and it was upside down. It probably just needs a day.
The photo and video show how the new snow would break but it would never propagate any further.
Video
We were just above the rain line which appeared to be at about 7200 feet where tree limbs had a thin layer of clear ice on them.
In exposed areas near 8000 ft, tree limbs had rime on them.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates