Shallow, small wind slab.
Snow profile below: Upper elevation, north northwest, about 8,800'. Note total snow pack depth is 220 cm, we focused on the upper pack. This is a slope that did not slide in the December slide cycle. I was curious if there were any faceted layers in the upper snow pack - NSF or SH. ECT had no results, so we switched to CT tests to identify layers. I suspect both layers that failed have a least some NSF from the clear periods. Not sensitive with the current loading, but worth watching.
The dense slab 23 cm down is providing a slick bed surface for new snow slides and wind slabs. It may allow a small slide to entrain snow on continuously steep slopes.
Did we go to any of the northerly facing slopes that slid in December that are now filled in? Nope. Yes, I'm super curious about how the ground facets in these shallower snow pack areas are, but consider these slopes to have enough snow to be dangerous. The last time I visited a slope that slid in December was Jan 13th (Big Cottonwood Canyon) and the basal facets were terribly weak. While the Ogden area mountains haven't gotten the total amount of new snow of the SLC mountains, the activity there is enough to keep me off the steep slopes that slid earlier in the year. It's just a matter of time before most of these slopes avalanche again.
Considerable Danger for steep, northerly facing slopes that slid during the December cycle. Moderate for other northerly facing slopes, with the concern for new wind drifts, and possibly upper snow pack layers.
Pit below: Dug on a north facing slope, lower down. No facets on the ground, lower snow pack consistent and strong. The dense, slick slab beneath the new snow was a common denominator with the snow pack on many slopes. Again, a potential good slick bed surface. Hopefully the widespread surface hoar will be destroyed ahead of the next storm by wind and warmth.
Pit below: southeast, 9200' Looked at southerly facing slopes looking for the January 14th sun crust with facets beneath that has been the culprit for both natural and human triggered slides in the Salt Lake area mountains. Didn't find it, but two slopes isn't exactly comprehensive survey! A shallower snow pack area, with well developed facets on the ground. No results with ECT's.
Again, the slick, hard slab was there - a good bed surface for the future. No sign or heating, no new sun crust.
