Observation: Emma Ridges

Observation Date
1/8/2020
Observer Name
Edmost
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Emma Ridges
Location Name or Route
Emma #4
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Avalanche Problem #1
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
New low density snow on sun crust on south-facing slopes.
Comments
Broke trail up Michigan City, tending west, as snow began around 9:30 a.m. Past City Rocks to top out on summit of Honeycomb Cliffs. Skied East Bowl, northwest facing, and experienced stable snow pack and excellent light powder as storm totals increased. No cracking; non-reactive to ski cuts on steeper terrain. Later exited West Silverfork via Emma #4. With 10 inches of low density powder, found poor bonding between new snow and snow crust. Wide sloughing, running up to 100 feet on hard crust surface. No incidents, but with poor bonding, expect high likelihood of avalanche activity with any significant new overnight snow.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates