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Observation: Mineral Fork

Observation Date
2/26/2019
Observer Name
Chester
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mineral Fork
Location Name or Route
Mineral fork
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
It blew. Widespread wind damage even close to bottom of drainage. Wind crust widespread. Ok on snowboard, probably not so great on skiis.
As is typical, Windslab threat observed increased w altitude. I got minor cracking on refilled Skinner pretty much right away. Was able to break a tree well wind slab @8500.
On ridge @9200 ski cut on test slope broke 4" deep a few kiddie pool sized windlsabs.
I observed only sporadic light snow transport on upper ridges(8800-9200) today w light to moderate winds s to west.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Snow getting manky below 7800.
Observed on north side compass @1pm-
Minor pushalanche n side of compass below 7300.
Stiction/suction cupping on board 7800. Can make solid snowballs 7800 n
Cloudy am till I left at 1 n breezy may help, suspect sun came out after I left.
Other threat is still cornices.
Comments
I was out yesterday and was a bit surprised today how widespread the wind damage was.
Rose in forcast today very much agreed w what I observed.
I stomped on a lot of Windslabs, It did not seem too sensitive where I was, but a few pockets were sensitive enogh and Craig gordons back bowl obs is a good indicator of what to expect higher where it is bit cooler and much windier and in terrain w more fetch.
Bit tricky finding good powder today due to heat n wind. Go low heat, go higher wind. We have been spoiled w epic riding for a while now.
Pics
1. 3-4" micro windslab finger+ hard
2. Cracking. 5'x3"
3. Tree well Windslab test. Patent pending.
4. Pinecones, The Other ways you can tell that the wind blew.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None