Observation: Bountiful Ridge

Observation Date

1/11/2025

Observer Name

Daniel Turner

Region

Salt Lake » Session Mountains » Bountiful Ridge

Location Name or Route

Bonneville Peak Area

Weather

Sky

Overcast

Precipitation

Light Snowfall

Wind Direction

Northwest

Wind Speed

Moderate

Weather Comments

The weather was blustery and cold on the ridgelines with poor visibility.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

New Snow Density

Low

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Snow Characteristics Comments

Overnight new snow was 13cm of low-density powder. The top 25" was great powder riding. The moderate to high winds from the NW were transporting large amounts of snow. Cornices are growing rapidly.

Red Flags

Wind Loading

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

At 159cm of snow in this area, the persistent weak layer is healing well. In areas of shallow snow the PWL will be lurking and reactive.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Wind Drifted Snow

Trend

Increasing Danger

Problem #1 Comments

There is plenty of new snow for transport and loading is actively happening. See cornice photos

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Trend

Increasing Danger

Problem #2 Comments

The PWL is still lurking. In areas of deeper snow over 100cm it is healing well however in shallow snowpack the PWL is alive and becoming more reactive with this storm's loading.

Snow Profile

Aspect

Northeast

Elevation

8,200'

Slope Angle

13°