Sign Up for the Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop (USAW) on December 7th!

Observation: Broads Fork

Observation Date
2/14/2024
Observer Name
Meisenheimer / Hill
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Broads Fork
Location Name or Route
Broads Fork
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Nice day. Warming temps. Little wind down low in the canyon.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
15"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Lovely soft settled powder. Surface snow was made up of SH and small-grained facets. Alpine looked wind-affected.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,500'
Comments
I noted a very weak snow surface. Plenty of surface hoar and small graned faceted snow on the surface.
Video
This snowpit was done on a north facing slope at 8,500'. HS 135 cm. The snowpack was showing signs of gaining strength. The weak layer hardness was 4 finger and the column did not propagate a fracture. I was expecting to find shallow unstable snow here and was pleasantly surprised to see the snowpack healing. I still wasn't ready to commit to steep rocky terrain so we kept it mellow. But this is a great sign to see this.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates