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Observation: Little Water

Observation Date
1/22/2016
Observer Name
Fred
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D North » Little Water
Location Name or Route
Mill D north fork little water peak
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
light south wind in wally world. could see strong wind on the big and little cottonwood ridge lines. Felt like spring. Some people out today were in shorts and t shirt.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

damp creamy snow on off sun aspects and wet snow on the south facing

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Dug a pit at 9k on east facing after seeing so much activity on that aspect. Pole probing also revealed a really weak basal facet layer. However the snow on top of the facets is quite sturdy. Got a clean stubborn shear 20cm down with the new snow / old surface hoar interface. This is showen in the pit pic.
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
9,000'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments

If you zoom the photo you can see that wilson chutes slid as well as two small pockets on the birthday run and one in soldier fork.

Someone center punched the Reynolds bowl. Things have stabilized quite a bit but this begs the risk/reward/longevity triad.

Danger is very slope and aspect dependent and manageable.

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