Observation Date
12/30/2013
Observer Name
C Brown
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Raymond Peak
Location Name or Route
Renyolds Peak
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Calm
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Untracked snow on Renyolds east face was surprisingly good. Any snow that was tracked felt like melted refrozen snow. The facets ski well. The entire snow pack seem to be faceted in the N through East aspects that I observed.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Seems that the enitire snowpack has rotted and will continue to develop more advanced facet crystals during this high pressure.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments
The snowpack felt very "dead" but steep enough W-N-E high elevation aspect could still be an issue. If something moves there it will likely be a majority of the snowpack. Could also see there being some wind slabs up higher that could be an issue as well, as I would think they are sitting on a faceted pack.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments
Didn't observe any yesterday but would imagine they are up higher.
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
9,400'
Slope Angle
35°
Some very impressive surface hoar. This was in the sun so it had probably melted down some. I would think more protected areas it would be very impressive.
East face of Renyolds peak. Hard to find untracked snow at this point.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
