Observation: Yellow Jacket

Observation Date
2/22/2026
Observer Name
Morrison
Region
Salt Lake » Mill Creek Canyon » Yellow Jacket
Location Name or Route
Yellow Jacket
Weather
Sky
Clear
Weather Comments
Sunny and warm (30 deg F), with light winds
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Observed several soft slab avalanches on the north-facing slope adjacent to the aspens. Hard to tell if they were sympathetic or joined due to the complexity in the terrain. Most failed to the near the ground.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

The January Dry Layer appears to be buried underneath 30 cm of new snow and another 15 cm from the late January storm (45 cm total at this particular elevation and aspect).

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

Interesting mid-storm graupel layer found at 25 cm, which ID'd itself during the CT. Don't think this layer is of concern, but missed it until the test.

Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
8,700'
Slope Angle
29°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates