Observation: Bear Trap

Observation Date

12/19/2021

Observer Name

Jimmy G

Region

Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Bear Trap

Location Name or Route

Bear Trap

Red Flags

Recent Avalanches

Collapsing

Poor Snowpack Structure

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Trend

Same

Problem #1 Comments

Went up Beartrap, observed the remnants of multiple natural (hard slab) avalanches above Desolation Lake.

We dug 3 separate pits on a north aspect at 9,500 ft.

My pit:

Total snow depth = 140 cm. Snowpit structure =

140 cm - 120 cm F

120 cm - 70 cm 4F

70 cm - 35 cm facets

35 cm - ground wet, consolidated base

ECTP 16 failing at 40 cm

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Considerable

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Considerable