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Observation: West Willow

Observation Date
12/15/2015
Observer Name
Wilson, Hardesty
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Willows » West Willow
Location Name or Route
West Willow Ridgeline to Beartrap Glades
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Cold, calm, and ever-so-lightly snowing (still!) in BCC this afternoon. Negligible transport, even walking the ridgelines.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
18"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Snow could be characterized as: Exceptionally light. Blower. Kick-turn-without-surfacing. Right side up. Perhaps precarious?

Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Experienced skier from a party skiing USA bowl heard one collapse, I didn't catch on which aspect and elevation band. Also, on a rollover on the steep NE slopes of West Willow we noted tensile cracks, likely limited to new snow. Didn't descend to check!
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments

Bottom facets must be so anxious for a real load, but in the Willow/Beartrap region the light snow isn't cutting it. No wind, not enough water weight? ECT on East-facing 9200' propagated in facets just below the crust on 12 and 7 taps, and at SW 8800 shovel shear tests failed in the same facet layer. It seems a good blow and stiff windslabs would tear the place down, but today we just tiptoed through soft powder.

Video

Keep your eyes on the video: Snowpack revelation.

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