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Observation: Mill Creek Canyon

Observation Date
12/2/2022
Observer Name
Grainger
Region
Salt Lake » Mill Creek Canyon
Location Name or Route
Millcreek Saddle
Weather
Weather Comments
Winds transporting ridgetop snow lightened throughout the morning from what they were during the overnight frontal passage, partially cloudy skies cleared around noon.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
Today was a day that one could expect to trigger connected avalanches off the lee (N-->E) sides of ridges. The 11/28 facet interface is widespread on these aspects, particularly preserved in the sub-alpine and now capped with multiple inches of intensely wind-affected SWE. Great day to wander mellow terrain with the dog.
My questions were regarding the extent of slab cohesion and propagation propensity so we walked upper Millcreek to the PC ridgeline staring at the terrifying, loaded NE aspects of Little Water, Sheep Sh*t, Wilson and Gobbler's. Seems like another observer remote triggered and wrote on the typical piece off the east shoulder of Fire Water.
Over 40 rolling collapses while walking the drainage answered these questions quickly.
Pic 1- Most interesting collapse, the dog remoted multiple cut banks of the creek from ~80 ft. away. In the photo she's located at the initial trigger point.
Pic 2- Tests just off the PC ridgeline above the Sound of Music path failed easily, ECTP1 @ 55cm down on the facets. Similar location had a PST 40/100 Arr down 55.
Pic 3- Evidence of last 2 night's wind on west and down-drainage sides of timber even in dense stands.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates