Observation Date
1/20/2013
Observer Name
Brodhead
Region
Logan
Location Name or Route
Upper Cottonwood Canyon
Weather Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Rain-Rime Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow surface characteristics were variable depending on aspect. Northern, sheltered slopes above 8,000 had decent riding conditions while southern exposed slopes boast a fragile melt-freeze crust.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We encountered localized cracking and collapsing in Cottonwood Canyon. Snowpack structure remains an issue. Overall, we found 7-10 cm of snow on top of the rime crust in sheltered terrain. The rime crust sits above a faceted layer of snow (fist hardness). In lee terrain, much more snow sits on top of the rime crust.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
We observed deposition in lee terrain throughout the weekend.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
The interface between the rime and faceted layer remains a problem.
Comments
Along the west ridge of Cottonwood Canyon, we observed a nice (although a few days old) crack in a cornice. It was 420cm in length and averaged 2cm in width. With much evidence of wind loading, we avoided all lee terrain.
