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Observation: Mineral Fork

Observation Date
1/25/2022
Observer Name
Zack Little
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mineral Fork
Location Name or Route
Mineral fork
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
On an east facing slope at 10,112 feet in the upper Mineral Fork, we found a layer of near surface facets ~50cm below the surface siting below older wind drifted snow. a quick test pit with a result of ECTP 24 on a 35 degree slope ruled out terrain with those previously described characteristics. We then moved to the north facing terrain at the top of the drainage and found similar near surface facets closer to the surface with two defined wind crusts above the primary layer of concern, and another layer of facets in between the crusts. Lacking a slab in this terrain, the instability we found on the east facing slope seemed to be a relatively isolated issue given the wind-catching shape of the terrain feature we were interested in skiing, however it is something to keep in mind in the future on any aspect/elevation where it is known to exist.
We left the parking lot at approximately 6:30 and began traveling up the Mineral fork drainage. At lower elevations we found 2-5cm of new, light density snow that had fallen on a widespread heat crust that formed during the prolonged high pressure period. As we moved up the drainage, visibility was limited by heavy clouds but we were observed moderate winds and snow transport on the higher ridges in the drainage. the AST in the drainage ranged from 10-20cm and the snow surface was largely unaffected by wind until around 9800'. Above 9800' we found new wind drifts up to 1.5 feet and fresh cornices on a variety of aspects from flagging winds. Average height of snow in the area above 10,000' was ~3m. We did not observe any new avalanches or obvious signs of instability other than our reactive pit results.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates