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Observation: Powder Park

Observation Date
1/18/2024
Observer Name
Ailis Tweed-Kent and Dave Leydet
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D North » Powder Park
Location Name or Route
BCC - Powder Park 3
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
We identified two PWLs in our pit. See our snowpit profile and video.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Wind transported snow became increasingly apparent at 8200'. The summit of the Cone at 9,200' (the top of PP3) had scoured snow and some small (5-10cm) slabs. These observations were primarily on north/northwest aspects.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,700'
Comments
My partner and I dug a snowpit today at Powder Park 3 to examine the current snowpack structure. The total pit depth was 213 cm. Our key findings our summarized below:
1. The top 23 cm, the new storm slab layer, exhibited a moderate result during our compression test (CTM - Q1 @ 191cm).
2. The top 110cm of the snowpack was rightside up (F - P hardness).
3. We identified two persistent weak layers (PWLs) at 90-75cm and 35-20cm depths. Both layers consisted of 4F faceted crystals.
The full pit profile is included with this report.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates