Observation: Catherine's Pass

Observation Date
12/13/2020
Observer Name
Sean Berry
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Catherine's Pass
Location Name or Route
Catherines Pass
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments
6-8 in of New snow observed in the Catherine's pass area with varying depths in other areas.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
First snowfall of the season has now consolidated and weaken observed facet and sugar snow near the base of the snowpack 15-20 cm from the base.
Snow Profile
Elevation
10,100'
Comments
Snowpack Fist first 6-8 in followed by finger density for the rest of the snow pack. Faceting/sugar snow observed at 15-20 cm from the base.
Completed a Compression test on the snowpack. Slight compression observed on CT2 with the new snow but not concerning in my opinion. It was bound to happen based on the density of the snow. Continuing the test found results at CT22 when the snowpack collapsed at the faceted/sugar snow layer. It was a fairly clean break on that line. Persistent layer is forming and will continue to be a concern unless the snowpack strengthens at that depth.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates