Join us at our 2nd Annual Blizzard Ball
Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Weather Place Names Map Archives
Education
Avalanche Class List UAC Class List Online Classes Resources and Tutorials Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Observation: Mill D North

Observation Date
12/27/2024
Observer Name
Evan Hammerman
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D North
Location Name or Route
Mill D North
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
PWL existed across 3 snow pits at different aspects W-N-E with weak facets
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Throughout the day lots of snow accumulated, and high winds contributed to some serious wind loading. Breaking trail down to knees at times.
Comments
Dug 3 snowpits through the Mill D North area:
250deg w facing slope mill d north near powder park 9400ft
31deg slope
ECT inconclusive due to bushes breaking up the column, but failed around 23, didn’t propagate
HS 70cm
0 deg n facing slope Tom’s hill 9000ft
14 deg slope
ECTN23 storm snow failed on facets 50cm down, not consolidated yet as of 1pm
HS90cm
90 deg E Beartrap 9000ft
HS 90cm
30 deg slope
ECTP21 storm/wind slab failed on facets 50cm down
Some cracking while walking
At the time of testing, the storm layer was very soft and unconsolidated, and it just smushed under the shovel blade. I would imagine that as this layer consolidates with wind and time, things will be come very reactive.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High
Coordinates