Observation: Upper Mill Creek

Observation Date
12/31/2013
Observer Name
Jake Hutchinson
Region
Salt Lake » Mill Creek Canyon » Upper Mill Creek
Location Name or Route
Head of Millcreek Canyon
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Finally a few snow flakes!! amazing how it improved the skiing with a new 1/2" or so
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Low
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The song remains the same and quite frankly I'd like to change the station. The only surprise was the total depth and the strength of the slab - I had expected to see it more advanced in the faceting process
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments

The beast is still lurking but it seems hard to provoke. I still don't have any warm fuzzy feelings about any steep terrain where the slab may exist.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments

Potential for small wind slabs on the increase with the dusting of new snow.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,600'
Slope Angle
28°
Comments

Went out to shoot some (hopefully) educational video and poke around in an area I expected shallower snow. Was surprised to find deeper snow and decent turns in the trees. Basal facets are the largest/most well developed i've seen in the Wasatch this year (pic below). With the current weather forecast, it seems probable that the most, if not all, of the pack will facet to some degree over the next week or so. Hoping for a big storm so the avalanche problem is obvious, not hidden... Happy New Year?!!?

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