Observation: Alta Periphery

Observation Date
11/9/2015
Observer Name
Hardesty
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Alta Periphery
Location Name or Route
Alta summer road-Rocky Point-Point Supreme
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Highly variable snow conditions - seems most connected snow is found on NE-N-NW (perhaps some east) above about 9500'. Plenty of wind, sun, and temperature damage; however faceted snow rules the day. Weakest snow seems to be either at or just below the surface or in the faceted graupel layer post frontal from last week's storm. Unlikely we'll have enough load to activate this structure (much less ski and ride - but I'm always surprised (amused?) at people's enthusiasm year after year).

Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None