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Observation: Parleys Canyon

Observation Date
1/11/2025
Observer Name
Talty, Larson, Stevens
Region
Salt Lake » Parleys Canyon
Location Name or Route
Parley's Canyon
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Light snowfall throughout the afternoon with clouds breaking around 3:30 PM.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
The recent snow greatly improved riding conditions on lower and mid-elevation slopes.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Many collapses were observed above 7500' on NW-N-NE slopes. Cracking from wind-drifted snow observed on eastern aspects.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
We found very weak, faceted snow in the lower snowpack above 7500' on NW-N-NE facing slopes.
Comments
Today's travel was in Parley's Canyon along NW-N-NE facing slopes at lower and mid-elevations. Our goal was to determine the elevation at which the PWL is found in this zone. Pole probes along our route revealed the PWL above 7500 feet and we experienced several booming collapses on north-facing slopes above this elevation. Even though we did not see any recent avalanches, we found the PWL in this zone to be much more sensitive than the Cottonwoods, prompting us to turn back from our intended line.
Picture 1: Snow profile from the location we first noticed the PWL at 7500 feet (NE)
Picture 2: Snowpit photo from picture 1
Picture 3: Snow profile from 8150 feet (North)
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates