Observation Date
12/15/2022
Observer Name
Engel
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Brighton
Location Name or Route
Brighton-->Hidden Canyon
Comments
Isolated wind drifts and cracking observed above the chutes in Hidden Canyon. Remotely triggered a 4-5 foot wide wind slab about 6-8 inches deep. Even while keeping a very generous distance from the very clear pockets of wind-drifted snow, isolated wind-drifts were observed. The wind slabs I observed myself may not have been hazardous but I kept lots of distance from the big wind drifts. This wind drifted snow definitely poses a hazard to Brighton skiers exiting the gate at Hidden Canyon, especially since many travelers in this area go solo and without a beacon (like I mistakenly did this morning). Following the traverse past the chutes and into the trees leads to a safer area with less wind drift but following the traverse to get there could prove to be devastating.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates