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Observation: Red Baldy

Observation Date
4/18/2025
Observer Name
Brackelsberg
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » White Pine » Red Baldy
Location Name or Route
White Pine
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
The sky was mostly overcast, but for brief periods the sun poked out. The snowpack quickly took on heat from the brief periods of sun and some greenhousing. About 1" of snow fell between 10:30 and 1:00 PM.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Characteristics Comments
The Red Baldy area had about 12" of new snow. The old snow surface was very hard. The storm deposited a layer of graupel on top of the old snow before the low density snow fell. This lead to poor bonding of the new and old snow. Once the snow took on a little heat, we started to experience fast running new snow avalanches due to the graupel layer.
We only witnessed wind drifted snow on the high rigdelines. It appears that this area was well protected from the wind during the storm.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Red Flags Comments
As the snow heated, we started to see small natural avalanches from snow shedding off rocks. We were able to trigger fast running new snow avalanches on steeper terrain. With 12" of snow, these could easily knock a person over if they were caught off guard.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
With periods of sun during the day, I would expect the new snow settled and gained strength very quickly. The Atwater study plot showed about 2" of snow settlement during the day.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
While wet snow was not a problem while we were out today, I would expect this could be an issue for Saturday as weather clears and temperatures climb.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates