Join us for the 17th Annual Professional Snow and Avalanche Workshop (PROSAW) on November 4 - Purchase tickets here!

Observation: Mill D North

Observation Date
1/30/2022
Observer Name
Bo T.
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D North
Location Name or Route
Mill D North
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Single-digit temperatures near Cardiff and Spruces this morning. Temperatures warmed quickly as the sun rose. Southerly facing slopes began to soften by 10:30 AM at 8500'
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,700'
Slope Angle
14°
Comments
Over the last 3-days in big cottonwood canyon. I've found weak snow surfaces on every aspect above 8500' except due south-facing slopes. The surfaces snow is weakest on northwest, north and northeast facing slopes. Out of curiosity I've continued to dig and check out the Persistent Weak Layer responsible for the large avalanches during the holiday storm cycles. The layer of depth hoar near the ground is adjusted to the weight of the holiday slab and the layer is dormant for now but I'm not convinced we won't see avalanches breaking on this layer again. Enjoy the stability and nice weather while we can, things are setting up to significantly change once snow returns.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates