Quick report
- Red Flags
- Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Wind loading was the only red flag we observed today. Incessant NW winds moving snow all day at ridges and across mid-slopes. </p>
There's an obvious delineation between the old surface (Tuesday warmth) and the new snow. The layer is a friable crust with graupel. It was not reactive to an ECT, but the slab atop was very cohesive and pulled away with a shovel very easily when isolated. I wouldn't trust this setup on a steep, wind-loaded slope. It could have been that the slope had already collapsed, as snowmobilers had trashed the designated non-motorized area above.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>The weak sugary snow that developed during our January dry spell is now buried 4-5' deep. </p>
Finally, some good, light, cold Utah powder! Depth is very elevation-dependent. Just a few inches below about 7000'. 10-12" up to about 8500'. Above that, 18-24". Right side up. Excellent riding and skiing conditions. High March sun angle affected solar slopes - will be crusted over tomorrow morning. It just felt great to have a classic Utah powder day after such an abnormally dry and warm winter season.