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Observation: Bear Trap

Observation Date
3/4/2014
Observer Name
Jenna Malone
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Bear Trap
Location Name or Route
Bear Trap
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
S1 at trailhead, but skies cleared (to broken) and precip abated approx 1430. Some sunshine late in day.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Dense powder on an older supportable melt freeze crust, storm snow deep enough to provide good skiing.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Localized cracking where wind loading had occurred (N and NE ridges).
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
While we skied more windward aspects today, we saw heavily corniced NW ridges and localized cracking in wind loaded micro terrain.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
No results on our stability tests today, though we dug in deep snowpack and on WNW, so likely not representative of where this layer is worst (high Norths?). After no failure within the standard 30 taps, we were able to pry out our ECT block, causing it to fail within the basal facets. The whole block was cohesive, leading us to think that propagation propensity (and consequences) would be high if it were to fail.
Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
9,800'
Slope Angle
28°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates