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Observation: Bear Trap

Observation Date
11/26/2014
Observer Name
Toddeo
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Bear Trap
Location Name or Route
Beartrap to PC Ridge
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Warm wind was blowing when I started walking at 9 am. Felt wind only on ridgetops.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
1"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Rain-Rime Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

All of the above! Rain affects were felt to 8200'. Northerly aspects stayed dry all day. Southerly aspects were damp. The exception being low angle souths. Snow was downright wet below 8000'.

Most exposed aspects were wind/warm stiffened. Some exposed NW aspects were supportable. Very high variability. HS ranged from 18 to 28". Attached snow profile is fairly typical of semi-exposed NW aspects.

In general the snow overlaying the facets has bridged and strengthened in most areas that received any wind. Most columns and extended columns broke upon isolation today. It is possible to lift the entire snowpack up off of the facets (see photo). Very sheltered north aspects are still soft and it is very easy to push a ski pole basket to the ground.

Rollerballs on steep south aspects below 8500'. South aspects exposed to the wind stayed dry today.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
No cracking or collapsing today. This included all of Beartrap and the PC ridge above Dutch Draw. Walked most of the length of Dutch Draw without any signs of instability. The snow pack has gained enough strength to be stubborn. It may now be possible to get out on a slope before it goes. Feels like we are heading to lower probability and higher consequence conditions.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments

Snow has stiffened enough to call it a persistent slab scenario.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Problem #2 Comments

Possible on south aspects and below 8200'

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,600'
Slope Angle
25°
Comments

1st photo shows pit with card at 2/4 finger interface. Glove is in facets.

2nd photo, Column of snow above facets and lifted out of pit.

We could use a Mulligan on the snowpack!

Canyons patrol told me that north side of 9990 went big with one charge and propagated around/below exposed rocks. In my opinion, this confirms that any slide will be large.

Calling the danger considerable mostly due to consequences.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable