Observation Date
12/21/2023
Observer Name
Zimmerman-Wall
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D North
Location Name or Route
Mill D North
Comments
No signs of instability. Poor structure easy to find and HS in the drainage was 30-90cm depending on aspect and elevation. CT BRK and ECT X on 2mm moist, rounding Depth hoar at bottom 20cm. The southerly aspect of both upper Mill D and across in Millcreek Canyon in the the distance were bare earth in many places. Travel is not that difficult, but some skin tracks are a mess and it was a bit of a struggle fest in the west facing short swing aspen grove. Lots of whipper willows in the lower drainage.
Views up into the high country of Raymond, Butler, Silver, Days, Cardiff, Mineral, and Broads were impressive but I could not make out any signs of recent activity. The slide from the Wilson Chutes a little over a week ago was still visible in the distance.
The next storm ought to make things real nice from a riding perspective. Seems like the surfaces took a hit from the warmer temps and rain at mid elevation, crushing the developing SH and facets, but would expect the alpine to be a different story and a new PWL may emerge. Bring on the snow.
Photos:
1. Powder Park 3 with new snow over undulating surfaces. Note the bare spots on the South facing across the way.
2. Wilson Chutes, old slide visible just below the southeastern ridge.
3. Reynolds east face- tracks on tracks on tracks.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates