Item: DOES IT ALWAYS SNOW IN JULY, OR RAIN IN DECEMBER? MELT-FREEZE RECRYSTALLIZATION IN THE MIDST OF A RECORD SETTING SEASON
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Title: DOES IT ALWAYS SNOW IN JULY, OR RAIN IN DECEMBER? MELT-FREEZE RECRYSTALLIZATION IN THE MIDST OF A RECORD SETTING SEASON
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- David Kelly [ Utah Avalanche Center, Salt Lake City, UT, United States ] [ Alta Ski Lifts, Alta, UT, United States ]
- Drew Hardesty [ Utah Avalanche Center, Salt Lake City, UT, United States ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: The winter of 2025-2026 set records for below average snowfall. Compared to the winter of 2022-2023, which set records for above average snowfall, one would think the similarities would be few and far between. However, mid-storm crusts and near-surface facets are not in tune with seasonal averages. In early April 2026 we observed a late-season mid-storm melt-layer recrystallization event. In this paper we will discuss how this layer formed, was identified, and preserved, as well as the response that public forecasters took and could take in the future to communicate avalanche hazard from snow and weather events that are not observed in the Central Wasatch on a regular basis.
Object ID: ISSW2026_P4.30.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790099325
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): David Kelly
Keywords: Snowpack Properties, Avalanche Forecasting, Risk Communication, Melt-Layer Recrystallization, Crusts
Page Number(s): 1246 - 1250
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