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Observation: Parleys Canyon

Observation Date
4/5/2023
Observer Name
Paradis
Region
Salt Lake » Parleys Canyon
Location Name or Route
Parley's Canyon
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Scattered snow showers in the morning, then clearing in the afternoon. In general temps at 7000 stayed relatively cool, however sun came out enough to create a zipper crust on slopes that were not well protected. Winds were sufficient to transport snow and deposit small amounts of snow in the skin track.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2'
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Protected slopes stayed soft but zipper crust formed during periods of sun.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Incredible amounts of new snow in the last couple days.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Over the past weekend, warm temperatures caused snow to warm and subsequently develop a melt-freeze crust. On Monday and Tuesday I had some concern about this potentially creating a good bed surface on which the new snow could slide. I stuck to low angle slopes so didn't really test out this concern.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
As forecasted, winds picked up on Tuesday, however in protected areas snow was relatively unaffected. On more open slopes, snow was more characteristically dense.
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
7,000'
Slope Angle
10°
Comments
In the hasty pit above, melt-freeze crust is noted below storm snow. Over the weekend and after the warm up on Saturday previous snow at this elevation was isothermal and very punchy. I also noticed little drainage runnels over the weekend. Since then, temperatures even at this elevation have been relatively cool for this time of year and by Monday the crust was supportable on skis but not in boots. Temperatures have largely stayed cool and are forecast to be cold overnight which has helped refreezing. No free water or new drainage channels were noted today.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates