Observation: Bear Trap 1/25/2012

Observer Name:

PJM

Region:

Salt Lake
Big Cottonwood Canyon
Bear Trap

Observation Date:

01/25/2012

Location or Route:

Upper Bear Trap-west facing

Weather

Sky:

Few

Wind Direction:

Southwest

Weather Comments:

Mixed mountain weather

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions:

Powder

Snow Characteristic Comments:

Soft turning snow at 9000 feet...5' mixed layer snowpack on 10" of faceted loose snow to the ground. Small pits showed this in the entire area....

Red Flags

Collapsing

Red Flag Comments:

While skinning together 600 feet below the back of Dutches Draw in 25degree treed terrain, we set off a MONSTER collapse as I stepped hard into the snow.. It collapsed broadly as far as we could see. Very unsettling...weight sensitive and tricky..

Primary Concern

Primary Concern:

Deep Slabs

Aspect:

West

Elevation:

High

Trend:

Same

Primary Concern Comments:

Letting your guard down. Not practicing proper spacing in 30+ degree (maybe 25) terrain... Skiing slopes with snow above, or over 30..

snow_profile_location:

Observed Danger Rating:

High

Forecast Danger Rating:

High