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Observation: Neffs

Observation Date
1/22/2023
Observer Name
Gagne/Kapacinskas
Region
Salt Lake » Neffs
Location Name or Route
Neffs Canyon - Thomas and Norths Fork
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Periods of light to moderate snowfall falling straight out of the sky
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
A few cms of very low-density stellars that made for an occasional slippery skintrack. No wind-loading where we were traveling (< 9,700')
Comments
The old snow surface has weakened quite a bit over the past few days due to cold temperatures and clear skies Friday and Saturday, with the top ~5 cms turning to small-grained near surface facets. With the few cms that fell today, we were able to get sluffing on steep slopes in the top ~10 cms of the snowpack. For now, the only issue is getting caught in one of these sluffs in steep terrain could be consequential if you got carried into trees or over rocks or a cliff. With cold weather forecast for the upcoming 5-7 days, the snow surface will continue to weaken and it will be a potential weak layer with any new snowfall or wind-drifted snow. We may get stronger winds later Sunday night and into Monday and any fresh wind drifts that form on top of the weak snow at the surface will likely be sensitive.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates