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Observation Date
4/2/2017
Observer Name
Caleb
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Hogum » Thunder Ridge
Location Name or Route
Thunder Ridge
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
In the morning it was overcast with light winds and no snowfall. Last night the winds were very strong and skies were clear. Around 0930 the cloud cover caused visibility to drastically decrease to around 50 feet. It was snowing at moderate rates with new graupel falling from the skies.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Graupel snow all day as I could observe. It did not stick to the snow surface and appeared to be gathering below cliff bands and near the bottom of slopes. This was falling on a hard overnight refreeze crust that was about 1.5 inches thick. It was still coming down when we exited Hogum at 1600.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
This new graupel layer above the hard melt freeze crust may cause problems if more snow falls on it. This may also be a good bed surface for future wet slides.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Winds were very strong last night and increased in speed during the day possibly forming some wind slabs along exposed ridge lines.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
With strong winds, obscured skies, and cool temperatures wet activity was not a problem today. Things will change as the storm leaves and temperatures rise. I would not be too surprised to see another natural cycle happen when this snow gets heated up by the sun.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate