Snowpack

Observation: Park City Ridgeline

Andrew McLeanSalt Lake
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Quick report

Red Flags
Collapsing

Over the last 3-4 days, the snowpack has settled 10-15cm, makes the upper 90cm much stronger and homogenous. Today's sunny, warm weather broke down much of the surface hoar, which was now quite rounded.

I dug a pit at 9,554 in the Canyon periphery.

110cm total depth

Due north at 32 degrees

Basal facets are still sharp and angular - not breaking down.

ECT test = 30/nil

Compression test = 30/nil

The upper 90cm snow structure looks very good - 4F for the top 60cm and 1F for the bottom 30cm, and then 20cm of basal facets.

The surface snow quality is still good on many aspects.

I think the majority of the central Wasatch Mountains are at low to moderate danger, but in the upper elevation, north facing areas with large collection zones (Pfiefferhorn, Y-Couloir, Birthday Chutes, etc.) there is still a high danger with serious consequences.

Snowpack

Instability Comment
<p>The 15-20cm of basal facets are still hanging in there on high, northish facing slopes. The 90cm snowpack above that is settling and bridging quite a bit, and also gaining quite a bit of strength. I had two major collapses today with not associated cracking or avalanches.</p>