Observation: Snake Creek

Observation Date
4/15/2017
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Brighton Perimeter » Snake Creek Pass
Location Name or Route
Wasatch County/Snake Creek
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Very cold overnight lows lingered into the mid morning hours with temperatures still in the teens at upper elevations well past 1000 hours. Skies remained clear throughout the day. Sustained Light West winds were observed at the ridgelines and down slope at least 250 feet.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Variable conditions out there on WNW through N through ENE. Upper elevation terrain on these shady aspects had a mix of wind damage, dense loose old powder, old tracks, and thick damp snow in areas where the slope angles < 30 degrees. NE upper elevation terrain got damp in the late morning hours and roller balls were initiated on turning on slopes with angles 35 degrees and greater.

On aspects on the lower half of the compass the snow surface was frozen solid and had excellent corn snow riding that held up very well into the mid afternoon due to the unseasonably cold overnight lows and the Light Winds. East aspects came on around 9:30 and rode well until at least 1100 hours. South was good from 1030 until at least 1230, and SW was still very good at 1400. No West aspects were ridden.

Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
Red Flags were limited to steep slopes receiving direct sunshine and the resulting roller balls and the minimal Wet Loose activity was mostly found on W, E, and N aspects.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

The Wet Loose observed appeared to be very predictable and avoidable.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Cornice
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

Large Cornices continue to be something to avoid, especially with the escalating temperatures forecast to rise at least 12 degrees on Sunday.

Danger Rating for Saturday appeared to be Low with the only issues/problems being the potential for very predictable/manageable Wet Loose type avalanches. Sunday appears to be similar Rating wise.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low