Observation: Willows

Observation Date
12/1/2018
Observer Name
John Mletschnig
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Willows
Location Name or Route
Willow Fork
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Winds were calm all day in areas travelled. (Below 9500').
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Widespread Radiation Recrystallization Near Surface Facet development up to 7mm on South facing slopes above 9000' and steeper than about 20 degrees. I have never seen this process happen with such speed as it did today. Facets sit on top of 10mm melt freeze crust. It will be interesting to see how the new snow tomorrow behaves on the Souths. It was a perfect breeding ground today with sun affecting the light density surface snow with coolish weather and the sun low in the sky.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Widespread collapsing in sheltered flats.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Facets in lower snowpack failed in tests just below crust: CT3 SC, ECTP11 8900' 5 deg. tree sheltered SW. HS 80cm
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High