Observation: Reynolds Peak

Observation Date
12/5/2013
Observer Name
mark white
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D North » Butler Fork » Reynolds Peak
Location Name or Route
Reynolds Peak
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Cold with vapor clouds building in the afternoon.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Snow is a bit stiffer from the cold, and slow under the skis.

Comments

Reynolds Peak is still thin on the ENE face, because it was stripped of snow by the east wind event, the north facing is about 3ft deep. Dug a pit at 9200ft protected north facing, noted a few distinct layers. the two possibly problematic layers are the facets sitting under the new storm snow, and the large grain facets under the dirt layer at the ground. The column failed under the dirt layer on the large grain facets upon isolation. In that location the dirt layer is a fairly stout crust about 3 inches off the ground, not sure if a new snow load could collapse the crust, but if not, there are plenty of facets under the new storm snow that could be activated with more weight. Photos, Pit showing the layers, column failure upon isolation, large grain facets under the dirt layer, and Reynolds ENE face.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate