Observation: Emma Ridges

Observation Date
12/8/2023
Observer Name
John Lemnotis
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Emma Ridges
Location Name or Route
Emma Ridge
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
S-1 to S1 snowfall during the time we were out today with winds remaining mostly light with some moderate gusts from the SW
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Cold and light storm snow that measured about 30cm before our noon exit.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Some cracking within the storm snow was noted mostly near ridgelines and shooting out from turns while riding downhill.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The primary concern for the new snow problem was an unexpected slab within the new snow. Several D1.5 soft slab avlanches were triggered while riding the Emma's. They were large enough to knock you off your feet and push you into the treed terrain if you were not paying attention. No definitive layer was noted other than maybe a subtle density change. The danger of this problem will increase before the storm stops and the new snow begins to settle. However, he new/old interface seemed to be bonding well to the southerlies.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
PWL is still present on polars at mid and upper elevations. We could see some reactivity on this layer with the addition of some water weight in the form on last night/todays storm. Avoidence of these slopes is still the only way to be sure.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates