Observation: Reynolds Peak

Listing new snow as the number 1 problem because it’s of its widespread distribution across all aspects in the mid and elevations. While new snow seems generally upright the shear amount and heavy precipitation rates make storm slabs and dry loose seem likely. The trend is increasing with heavy precipitation rates continuing and increasing wind.

There seems to be quite a bit of spatial distribution of weak snow in the Wasatch with some of the Dry January Layer being 1F hard (particularly in upper-elevation Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons), while other areas show much weaker F hard facets. On the northerly slopes we traveled on today, we found very weak snow (F hard) with a 2-3’ slab from this storm and last week’s storm on top. Recent avalanche activity and snow pit tests indicate this layer is reactive and is only being stressed more with rapid loading.

Reynolds - Toms saddle - NW aspect 8947' - obvious poor snow structure, new snow sitting atop of weak faceted snow

Ectp5 down on the new snow, old faceted snow interface - NW aspect