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Observation: Mill D North

Observation Date
12/24/2015
Observer Name
Toddeo
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D North
Location Name or Route
Mill D to Bear Trap
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Breezy at times. I did observe large plumes at the higher elevations.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Last wave looked to provide approximately 4" of medium density snow. HS in the area from shortswing to Beartrap is 90 to 100 cm. at least two density inversions present, It sounds like these have settled out a bit based on folks I spoke with who skied yesterday. I would imagine they will continue to settle out. Trail breaking was bit of a chore.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Enough recent avalanches to warrant concern! Most were reported by Mark W. Some others: Sweedish corner in the SW bowl of Gobblers and a small pocket in north facing Bear Trap, below the ridge with upper Mule Hollow. Also 2 on high Ivory and Cardiac Ridge mid slope. Wind was moving snow all day, the track across the top of short swing was blown in. Plus plumes on all the high peaks all day. I checked poor snowpack to highlight the density inversions and buried surface hoar (see profile below). The presence of ECTP and shears warrant concern. During this type of cycle I typically try to ski big south lines, but I see too many shears to step onto anything very steep and exposed at this time. The buried crust was non reactive in this area.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Enough new snow, not much else needed to say.....

Variable danger Moderate to considerable in the area I traveled today. I would imagine it would be higher in the alpine.

Snow Profile
Aspect
South
Elevation
9,200'
Slope Angle
25°
Comments

Figured I should dig a real snow pit since I am roving this winter and most of the Wasatch was bare dirt last time I was in town.

Note The ECTP in surface Hoar is highlighted, not really any harder.

Going to call the danger considerable on south aspects. Will likely settle out. Likely much higher in areas with basal facets and in the alpine.

Looks like baby Jesus came through again this Year!

Happy holidays!

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