Observation Date
1/17/2022
Observer Name
Ryan Shea
Region
Salt Lake » Parleys Canyon » Lambs Canyon
Location Name or Route
Lambs Canyon / Millvue Peak / ridge line
Comments
Had a plan to ski 30-35 degree East slopes from Millvue peak back into Lambs canyon.
Saw evidence of ground facets bottom 10" almost entire tour up.
Dug a pit at 9500 E/NE facing, approximately 20' below the ridge on a 27 degree slope looking into Lambs. Snowpack/slab failed to the ground upon isolating the column with fairly intense release, even while trying to be careful. Snow Depth was descent for 8500 E facing with 135 cm.
After failure, continued to test the remaining block of snow. Had another failure ECTP 13 on top 10-12" of snow likely on melt/freeze layer. Then again ECTP 23 which failed on a weak layer 12" above the ground.
Finally did CT out of curiosity and had results on top 10-12" again at 13 taps. Had seen enough, it became a lower angle heavy tree / bush whack descent from there.
First 1/3 of descent (1k vert) skiing amazingly, 5-6" of loose faceted snow was almost pow like but much faster with a super supportive base.
I feel most terrain would have been safe to ski, but as Utavy has warned us, if you trigger that deep PWL it is game over. After seeing that in person, i had to pass for today.
Be safe out there.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates