Observation: Banana Days

Observation Date
1/26/2022
Observer Name
Chester
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Days Fork » Banana Days
Location Name or Route
Banana belt
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments
Stuffing. Fairly shallow (6") we triggered several but naturals as well. It's new snow (past 2 weak refresers) and old surface facets . Very Manageable.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments
Toured down days fork.
Looks like Bannana belt slid. I'm wildly guessing late Dec probably similar timing as around the 2 dogs slide based on crown being similarly exposed/ visible and lack of visible debris.
A guess would be over 1000' wide, wrapping around. Unsure of how connected. Skinning up there is a poor bond about 12" down.
Repeater comments-
My partner noticed that there is thin (3') weak junky snow @ 10000' 70' below ridge ene) that a ski pole punches thru very easily. Crown not visible above but would guess there is one.
My hunch is two dogs / upper days that avalanched might be similar, thin snow that is loosing strength, faceted junky snow pack.
This repeater issue doesn't matter now-something to consider if we ever get a new slab.
No windslab issues observed. Light winds on ridges, otherwise calm.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None