Observation Date
2/8/2017
Observer Name
Brad N
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill B North
Location Name or Route
Mill D North, Short Swing, Powder Park 3
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
A high cloud base and patchy sunshine accompanied very light winds along Short Swing and The Cone ridgetops in Mill D North.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
The snow was variable across all aspects, plenty of wind damage from last night. Several ridgetop areas were scoured of even the new snow to the point that skier compacted skintracks stood in relief above the snow surface. Higher elevations (9000ft) had a thin wind crust over graupel snow near ridgelines with a thicker crust approximately 5 to 7 inches deep as uncovered in several hand pits.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
A lot of windloading from the southwest created some dense wind slabs. We had a few shallow local collapses on low angle terrain. As the morning progressed temperatures were warming rapidly and low elevation draws showed significant evidence of sun damage in sun cups, rollerball debris, and wet slide debris.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
This will likely mitigate with warming temps and lower winds through the day.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Low elevation terrain, even at approximately 25 to 30 degrees showed significant evidence of loose wet movement. One of the open glades on the shoulder of Short Swing had significant 12 to 18 inch roller ball debris. From the skintrack it was not evident if the slope had slid but it appeared that way given the amount of debris. I suspect as long as these warm daily temps persist this problem will remain.
Snow Profile Comments
Protected aspects skied well with lighter snow. No significant red flags on lower angle terrain where I estimate the conditions were moderate. Evidence of quite a few cornice collapses along ridgetops. Warm temps had roller balls moving even on Northerly aspects in the shade. Particularly for exiting through draws and cuts I would be cautious during the afternoon.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates
