Observation: Willows

Observation Date
1/28/2021
Observer Name
Adam Roesnberg
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Willows
Location Name or Route
Willow's Knob
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Observed a PWL 115cm from the surface at the bottom of WIllow's Knob at 40.6310611,-111.5863278. The area is mostly flat above Blue Bunny and generally south facing around 9000ft. Snow was lightest at the top, getting denser toward the PWL. Didn't have time to do a fully proper ECT, however, tapping the top of quickly made column had the new snow collapse on ECT 20 (no propagation) ~25cm from the top. Safely rode down Blue Bunny and opted to not top out on Willow's Knob as it appeared to be wind loaded on the SE/SW aspects and very low coverage on the S aspect. Attached is picture of the pit / glove poking
Snow Profile
Aspect
South
Elevation
9,000'
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable