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Observation: Argenta

Observation Date
1/27/2022
Observer Name
Manship, Stauss, Brotherton
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Kessler Peak » Argenta
Location Name or Route
Argenta
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
We gained the ridge on the back bowl of Argenta. It felt cold with a light breeze. We could see stronger winds at the top of Mineral Fork and into Mill B transporting snow.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Good selted powder could be found in sheltered terrain. Other terrain had a variety of crusts.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
We noted recent loading had had test slopes be reactive.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
When wind is blowing, snow is moving. Noted tracke in other drainages being covered by wind and development of wind slabs from stronger winds over night.
Comments
In upper Argenta we noted wind loading and harder slab development. I stepped on a couple different test slopes and could get them to collapse and slide. This little pockets where 1-6" deep, 1F-P hardness and breaking on the snow below. These particular ones where on north facing slopes.
We noted a snowpack that seemed a bit shallower than other areas. Around 9500' I probed an average snowpack depth of 130cm.
Temps stayed cold from the morning into mid day when we left.
Skiing conditions are good on sheltered northerly aspects.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates