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Observation: Mill D North

Observation Date
2/6/2017
Observer Name
Zimmerman Wall
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D North
Location Name or Route
Tom's Hill, Mill D
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Temps above freezing at Spruce's campground at 6am. Sky trending from Broken to Overcast throughout day. Winds light out of the southwest in our locations, but higher winds were evident across BCC along the Cardiac Ridge. Light snowfall began around 9am atop our high point on Tom's Hill.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow at trailhead was damp and punchy where it had not been impacted by skiers. Some sun/temperature crusts existed in the trees. Approaching the runout of Tom's, the snow quality markedly improved and the skiing was quite supportable and enjoyable. In the trees, it was evident that some trapped heat had affected the snow but it had not made the conditions sloppy or unmanageable.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
No red flags present on this tour.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments
Even atop Reynold's Peak, the wind seemed light, but across BCC on Cardiac Ridge the plumes of snow could be seen as the SW flow picked up throughout the morning. With the forecast, it is clear that this problem will be on the rise. Cornice growth has slowed, but the increased wind and denser snow will likely increase this hazard as well.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Cornice
Comments
Went searching for poor structure by digging down two to three feet. No notable weak layers were found in our zone, and suspect they never formed here. The snow surface showed no signs of weakening with the warm temps and overcast skies. This is a heavily skied area during times of elevated hazard and portions of the slope have definitely seen their fair share of skier compaction, although not likely enough to totally destroy any buried weak layers that may have existed. Today there were few people out and about and the old tracks with three to four inches of dense snow from Friday/Saturday skied pretty well. Photos: 1. Morning light lasted 10 minutes tops. 2. Cornice along Reynolds showing signs of aging and warm temps 3. Overcast skies closing in
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable