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Observation: Park City Ridgeline

Observation Date
12/6/2023
Observer Name
Hardesty
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline
Location Name or Route
Park City Ridgeline
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Noted plumes off BIghorn Peak as I drove toward the mouth of the Cottonwoods. Southwest winds started to pick up by the afternoon, but there was no evidence of transport.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow surfaces have developed 2-5mm surface hoar, diurnal facets on the shady aspects and a thin layer of radiation recrystallization facets on southerly aspects. These will be something to watch to see if preserved with tonight's meager storm.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Route was USA Bowl to the PC ridge and over to No Name Bowl. I did not experience any cracking or collapsing in my travels today.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
These avalanches have become increasingly stubborn in the last day but remain just as dangerous. I still plan to ride low angle terrain that harbors this poor structure.
Similar structure on NW and NE aspects at 9800' over near No-Name: 65cm of total snow with ECTP 8,13,25 on small diameter weak facets down 40cm or so. The failure plane was not at the old/new interface, but perhaps 5-10cm below.
Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
9,500'
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates