Observation: Parleys Canyon

Observation Date
2/18/2024
Observer Name
Talty
Region
Salt Lake » Parleys Canyon
Location Name or Route
Parley's Canyon
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
On and off snow showers with warm temps. moderate west winds accompanied with strong gusts.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
New snow at elevations below 7500' were damp and stuck to our skins. Above 7500', excellent riding conditions.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
Snow was moving around from the strong winds, at and below ridgelines. Plenty of rollerballs at lower elevations e-s-w.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Comments
We toured into the Millvue Pk area and found excellent riding conditions above 7500’, where the new snow stayed dry. New snow from the past two weeks had two layers that caught our eye: graupel 15cm below the surface and a density change 35cm down. A pit at 8300’ NW (HS: 180cm) showed CT11 on this layer of graupel, and CT16 SC, STE 35cm down on a density change. No cracking/collapsing or recent avalanches were observed, but the active wind loading and warm temps affecting the new snow kept us out of steep terrain.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates