Observation Date
12/6/2024
Observer Name
Kelly, Kelly, Pennell
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » White Pine
Location Name or Route
White Pine
Comments
Snowpit in similar location to one from November 23, 2024. This time around there were bigger facets (3mm) near the ground and the layer of facets was only 6" (15cm) compared to 8" (35cm). Failure this time was on mixed grains above a breaking down crust. This slope may not be representative of much of the backcountry as the snowpack here is deeper and more wind loaded. The temperatures in the snow profile show us that faceting is occurring. The talus on the ground may have impacted temperatures in the lower snowpack.
Below hand pit shows structure on a north facing slope at 8,000'. There were damp facets near the ground in this location. With skis on I was sinking down to the breaking down crust that was above the layer of damp facets whenever I stepped off the skin track.
Video
1" (30mm) surface hoar crystals in a north facing sheltered meadow (8,800') in the White Pine Drainage of Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah.
Snow coverage of the Tri Chutes area.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates