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Observation: Broads Fork

Observation Date
4/1/2020
Observer Name
Nick W
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Broads Fork
Location Name or Route
Broads - Dromedary
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Curious about any PWLs that caught folks off guard recently. Dug on a 32 degree NW slope at 10,400. Pit location was not wind loaded.
Surprisingly spooky reactive pit results ECTP 21 Q1 at a weak layer 45 cm from surface. Was able to pry the slab clean out of the pit with minimal force. There was also a less reactive layer at 10cm.
With a solid wind slab on top of this layer it would have been easy to get in trouble.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
10,400'
Comments
Mixed snow/dirt hiking for first 700 feet of Broads summer trail. Nice wind buffed skiing above 9k. Temperature and Suncrusts below. Wet slides a plenty near Bonkers rockbands and evidence of small wet or glide releases above the Diving Board/Blue Ice. Snow turned into mank below 8k on exit at 3PM.
Bailed on Dromedary N chute due to poor/reactive structure at the apron in hand pits and opted for 30 degree windbuff Wasatch wiggles. Another party informed of the same structure on their approach to the Twin Peaks saddle.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates