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Observation: Kessler Peak

Observation Date
3/4/2023
Observer Name
Fluff Diver
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Kessler Peak
Location Name or Route
Kesler
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
It seems the wind has been a constant factor since the last storm cycle with the current deep, rather isothermic snowpack absorbing most of the new snow load. Winds have been fairly constant above 9000' but a hasty pit today revealed no particular layers of concern circa 9500'. One area approx. 60cm from the surface exhibited some weakness (roughly 4f instead of fist above and below) which would be buried further higher up. With some extra load coming it could step down with a solid load. More concerning to me would be the crust layer about 20cm down on anything East facing or further facing towards the sun with the coming storm cycle. It may be warm enough to prevent sluffing or solid avalanches but probably warrants some evaluation in steep terrain either way. However if it keeps snowing might as well keep skiing!
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable