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Observation: Days Fork

Observation Date
1/30/2026
Observer Name
Torrey
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Days Fork
Location Name or Route
Upper Days Fork
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Mostly clear skies in the morning steadily transitioned to overcast by early afternoon. Light to moderate wind blowing from the northwest. Did not observe any signs of wind drifting snow.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments

Starting zones that previously avalanched in early January were 2 to 2.5 feet deep and entirely faceted. The bitterly cold temperatures from earlier this week have turned the upper snowpack noticeably weaker.Boot penetration in sheltered northerly-facing slopes has increased to 14-20 inches compared to 6-10 inches last week. The loss of structure in the upper pack is creating "sandbox" feeling ski conditions where the tails of our skis sink. Southerly slopes warmed enough to soften the surface snow; supportable melt-freeze crust is present on steep south-facing slopes.

2 inches of new snow above +12 inches of loose-faceted snow on a sheltered, west-facing slope at 9200 feet.

Avalanche Problem #1
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

The faceted surface snow continues to produce Loose-dry avalanches in steep terrain.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates

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