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Observation: Sunset Peak

Observation Date
12/15/2023
Observer Name
Kelly, Kelly, Pressman
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Sunset Peak
Location Name or Route
Dry Fork- Sunset
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Calm winds, clear skies and temps above freezing. Still cold in the shade.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Characteristics Comments
We skied aspects north, west, and southeast and found supportable snow with a slightly faceted surface (recycled powder skiing). The common theme was a poor structure with a supportable layer of snow covered with various degrees of faceted surface snow. On due west and south facing slopes we ran into places where water was percolating through the snowpack and onto exposed rocks. Warm for December.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Lack of red flags other than poor snowpack structure. This is a classic low probability high consequence situation where we assume there is an inherent risk of backcountry skiing and this makes for good conversations to have with your touring partners. It probably won't avalanche- but if it does it could be to the ground.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
10,400'
Slope Angle
42°
Comments
Snowpit was in a thinner area on Sunset Peak. North-northwest facing aspect at 10,400'. Test results showed fracturing and propagation at the top of the dry facets underneath the supportable snow. The facets here are as dry as anywhere else I have dug. The slab seems to have no elasticity. This is an eery snow structure and leads to great conversations about how we define Low danger with a persistent weak layer. Test results were compression test CT 14 and 16 (sudden planar) 20cm off the ground and extended column tests ECTP18 at the ground level.
Photo of surface hoar in Dry Fork (pretty, but only matters if it gets preserved before the next storm).
Video
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates