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Observation: Wilson Chutes

Observation Date
12/4/2024
Observer Name
mark white
Region
Salt Lake » Mill Creek Canyon » Wilson Fork » Wilson Chutes
Location Name or Route
Wilson Chutes
Weather
Sky
Clear
Weather Comments
Sunny and calm, warming temps in the afternoon.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Dense, loose and somewhat unsupportable on the N end of the compass, melt freeze crust or damp on the solar aspects depending on time of day, skin wax would've come in handy.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Snow Profile
Elevation
9,500'
Comments
Went to Wilson Chutes from Butler Fork, the lower elevations are getting pretty thin and the Solar aspects are mostly dirt, even up to 10,000ft. There was less snow in Millcreek at the same elevation than in the upper Butler Basin. The snow on the NE in the Wilson chutes and the N facing headwall varies from 1.5ft to a little over 2ft and has become loose and faceted all the way to the dirt. The chutes that are more NE facing and get a little sun in the morning are in the worst shape due to the large temperature gradient and have become basically unsupportable, no reason to dig a pit looking for a PWL because the whole snowpack has become the next PWL. On the due N shady headwall there's a thick layer of facets at the base, a decomposing crust with more weak snow on top, the crust seems to decomposing rapidly and will probably be faceted out before the next storm. The house of cards is in place just waiting for a load to collapse it.The quick pit is at 9200ft due N and shady.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates