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Observation: Park City Ridgeline

Observation Date
11/30/2024
Observer Name
Grainger, Anderson
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline
Location Name or Route
Murdock Peak
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
The sun continues to change surface snow, enhancing the surface melt and refreeze of crusts on solar aspects. Sheltered polar aspects are continuing to grow surface hoar (pic 3) and specific wind-fetch areas along ridgetops are building 4F-to-1F+ windslab in the top 2-6". This windslab may play a role in providing some cohesion to the otherwise soft slab we found from Empire Pass to Murdock along the PC Ridgeline.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Travel from Empire Pass to Murdock Peak provided sufficient coverage with isolated windslabs (pic 1) and overall poor structure with a F-to-4F+ soft slab overlying 1-2mm dry facets (and deteriorating crust(s) from late October through November 6). We noted one collapse but no obvious cracking and very little slab cohesion in most areas. The most notable results were just off ridgeline on NE (leeward) facing Murdock Peak. With HS 75cm, a 10cm 1F- windslab capped last week's storm and a mix of the Oct./Nov. facets and crusts (pic 2). We had failure on column isolation (ECTPV) in this area and would expect similar in start zones like it. This snowpack failed just under a weak crust @ 24 cm and took the majority of the basal facets with it. The weakening snow surface will continue with the high pressure and near-surface faceting is likely to make for a rowdy cycle with the next storm.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Snow Profile
Elevation
9,300'
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates