Observer Name
Bishop, Garvin
Observation Date
Monday, January 5, 2026
Avalanche Date
Monday, January 5, 2026
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Twin Lakes Pass
Location Name or Route
SE-facing slope adjacent to Twin Lakes Pass E
Elevation
9,900'
Aspect
Southeast
Slope Angle
38°
Trigger
Natural
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Avalanche Problem
New Snow
Weak Layer
Density Change
Depth
8"
Width
50'
Vertical
400'
Comments
Avalanche Observation:
Several natural avalanches were observed in the steep, rocky SE-facing terrain adjacent to Twin Lakes Pass E.
- The avalanches initiated as dry loose snow at rock bands but propagated into shallow soft slabs lower down on the slope.
- These natural avalanches ran on the density change within the new snow, with the largest crown observed ~12-14" in depth on cross-loaded slopes.
- Short sun breaks corresponded with active loose dry snow continuing to run on this slope during the day.
General Snowpack/Wx Observation:
Excellent skiing/riding conditions on all aspects and elevations traveled today (SW-W-N-E, 8700' - 10,400').
- In exposed, wind-affected terrain we observed very soft slabs that were easy to release with our skis, which behaved closer to dry loose snow that slowly ran on the density change in the new snow, 4" down at the graupel.
- Otherwise, no shooting cracks or collapsing were observed.
- Around 0900 the graupel transitioned to new snow (stellars/dendrites) with moderate to times of heavy snowfall rates observed throughout the day.
Coordinates
