Observation: Powder Park

Observation Date
2/8/2024
Observer Name
Zimmerman-Wall
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D North » Powder Park
Location Name or Route
Powder Park 3
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Full sky cover all day. However the sun's orb was visible through the clouds for long periods of time between 9am and 12pm. Winds were barely notable and not moving snow at this elevation. Light snowfall accumulated to perhaps 1" during this window. Temps were below freezing.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
HST of 12" or 30cm is from 2/5 to present. The surface conditions were very good to excellent. Low angle slopes provided A+ riding.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
No notable signs of instability. 
Snow Profile
Aspect
Southwest
Elevation
9,000'
Comments
Tour was short and I went out with the goal to avoid avalanche terrain with PWL or wind load and observe multiple aspects. Traveled across the compass at mid elevation and did not see any avalanche activity in this part of the Mill D drainage, or over yonder in Bear Trap. On the exit at 12pm out Mountain Mahogany, the snow felt more dense than when I had arrived, attributed to the solar input through the clouds on the southerly aspect. No sluffing on the 35 degree shoulder of the run where I rode.
1. Test profile with hand hardness and shovel shear test. STH down 30cm failing on interface between the two storms this week. No facets noted. The Storm snow is well bonded to the the stout melt freeze crust buried on 2/1.
2. Skin track in storm snow with subtle wind effect. Ski pen of 20cm average
3. Surface conditions in Powder Park 3 - West aspect at 9000'
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates