Observation: Silver Fork

Observation Date
12/1/2019
Observer Name
Bo Torrey & Quinn Graves
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Silver Fork
Location Name or Route
Silver Fork
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Sun cooked the southerly facing slopes in upper little cottonwood. Expect to have a zipper crust or heavy mank tomorrow. Winds picked up in the afternoon.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Damp
Red Flags
Red Flags
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
2 large collapses on North and Northeast facing slopes.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Today we experienced 2 large collapses, bulls eye evidence that the buried persistent weak layer is still sensitive. Things are pretty obvious if you just dig down a little. Now that south-facing slopes have become sun affected, available terrain has shrunk and will likely lure riders onto shadier aspects. If you're after soft snow, the only safe option is to keep slope angles less than 30 degrees.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,800'
Slope Angle
31°
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates