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Observation: Silver Fork

Observation Date
2/9/2017
Observer Name
P Diegel, M Silitch
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Silver Fork
Location Name or Route
Meadow Chutes
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Warm!
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Wet - started wet but spongy and supportable near the ridgeline and went to boot-top deep heavy wet loose at the ridgeline (~9500 ft) by 1pm with runnels forming while we were there and a few waist-high pinwheels chasing us down

Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Problem #1 Comments

No slab activity observed but a few large and heavy sluffs bordering on hazardous observed on steep rollovers and below rock bands. Many small pinwheels and a few waist-high. The rate of heating, difference between runs, may have been the most I have seen in 35 years. Inner voice said time to go, now. [Forecaster comment - Comment on unusual weather "in 35 years" highlighting the very rapid warming = unusual avalanche conditions.]

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Problem #2 Comments

We didn't dig around enough to look at buried layers, but activation of buried surface hoar or deeper facets with catastrophic results seemed plausible.

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