Observation: Mineral Fork

Observation Date
2/6/2020
Observer Name
Meisenheimer/Leven/Provo
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mineral Fork
Location Name or Route
Mineral Fork
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Wet and windy. Warm temps.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
There was about 3" of new snow at the trailhead and closer to 9" at the upper ridgeline. Very upside down.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Red Flags Comments
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments
The new snow was very touchy and would avalanche on anything steeper than about 30°. We had two remote (from a distance) triggered slides in our travels today. These cracks and avalanches were propagating 100'-200' feet wide and up to 9" deep at the upper elevations. I was able to make it to the upper ridgeline in Mineral Fork and the wind was blowing so hard you could barely see or stand. Right off the ridges the snow was very dense and cakey. Shooting cracks and soft slabs were the norm. We did not ski, ride, or hike up anything steeper than 30° today. We were also very cognizant of what was above us the whole time. The snow was surfy, but in the same hand a lot of work to make turns through.
Video
This avalanche was triggered 5 minutes from the truck.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High