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Observation: Park City Ridgeline

Observation Date
1/12/2025
Observer Name
Paradis
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline
Location Name or Route
Park City Ridgeline
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Weather Comments
Calm today, however yesterday was quite windy. Yesterday we observed extensive drifting of snow along ridgelines but also in surprising locations in valley bottoms (see photo below). Cornices were also growing from the wind. Skiing in wind exposed areas was a bit scoured. Wind slowed down today and a little additional snow helped improve skiing conditions.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Good skiing out of the wind. Not as good in wind exposed areas.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Basal facets still present and not all that strong, particularly at lower elevations. Recent winds produced loading of lee slopes. Various storm interfaces above faceted November snow and most recent wind slabs seem to be less problematic over time. After NYE storms/loading events, snow stability tests seem to more often propagate in facets at the base of the snowpack rather than mid-pack weaknesses.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
In areas traveled along the PC Ridgeline, there wasn't all that much new snow however strong winds had the potential transport snow and overload basal facets on lee slopes. It has only been about 2 weeks since the extensive avalanche cycle around New Years and new loading events create the possibility of re-awakening the PWL.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
As noted, wind drifted snow can rapidly load less slopes and potentially activate the PWL.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
7,800'
Slope Angle
20°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates