Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Weather Place Names Map Archives
Education
Avalanche Class List UAC Class List Online Classes Resources and Tutorials Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Observation: Twin Lakes Pass

Observation Date
12/11/2021
Observer Name
Paradis
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Grizzly Gulch » Twin Lakes Pass
Location Name or Route
Twin Lakes Pass
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Cold and clear first thing, then some high clouds moved in and out later in the day.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2'
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow had sort of a upside down feel due to a bit of density change in the new snow. It probably wouldn't have been noticeable if I was skiing faster on a steeper slow but I only skied slowly on low angle terrain.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Storm totals of more than two inches of water, existing facets, and plenty of recent avalanches were the primary red flags. I didn't travel in more wind affected terrain where I maybe would have seen more cracking.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Initially today I was thinking the primary problem was the existing facets, however in snowpit tests it seemed like the most easy to trigger layer was in the new snow. Although I didn't do any crown profiles, this seemed to be verified in some of recent avalanches around Patsey Marley and Grizzly Gulch.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
The new snow, which is generally >2 feet deep is sitting on now a weak facets. One other avalanche in Sliver Fork appeared to involve all of the new snow, so would have involved this persistent weak layer.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
10,000'
Slope Angle
20°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates