Observation: Gobblers

Observation Date
1/2/2013
Observer Name
mark white
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Cabin Run, Baker Springs, Millcreek Canyon
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Warmer today with clear skies and a temperature inversion in place.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow on the Cabin Run W, NW facing 10,000ft was light density settled powder starting to facet. The main face was none wind affected with about 9 inches of ski penetration, fast and fun. The snow in Baker springs was also light density powder with about 13 inches of ski penetration, and a bit more faceted, more protected from sun and wind.
Comments

Route today was up Bowman fork in Millcreek Canyon to the Cabin Run, Baker Springs and a interesting exit out Pole Canyon. Not much evidence of instabilities noted except for the old slide on Gobblers and new snow activity in the East Shoot into Alexander.

Quick hand pit on W facing Cabin Run at 9,600ft revealed pretty much what Drew was finding on Gobblers about a week or so ago. 10" of light density snow sitting on top of 1.5ft wind slab with a few minor crust facet sandwiches in it, and at the ground was about 3 to 4 inches of loose facets. Weakest layer was definitely the faceting surface snow, seems like it would take quite a loads to break into the old snow at the bottom, because the bridging of the old wind slab seems quite stout. Snow total was about 3ft in most locations. Pics sugary facets at the ground.

Did note one collapse while breaking trail up the W facing, seemed fairly localized, alot of spacial variability on the main face.

Been hearing everything was tracked out or wind jacked, guess you can't believe everything you hear.