Observation: Reynolds Peak

Observation Date

1/1/2014

Observer Name

Corson

Region

Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D North » Butler Fork » Reynolds Peak

Location Name or Route

Mill D - Reynolds & Tom's Hill

Weather

Sky

Clear

Weather Comments

Cool in shaded spots, otherwise felt like almost springlike. Surprising lack of wind during the day, but clear evidence of moderate to high westerly winds overnight.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Characteristics Comments

Protected snow remains dense powder. Fun to ski. Thin skiable crust layer on aspects that saw sun and freeze.

Red Flags

Wind Loading

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

East face of Reynolds was clearly wind loaded (gave it a pass). As was the lower angle north facing run from Tom's Hill (which we skied). Pit on north facing slope with soft slab on a bed of 8-10 inches of faceted snow. Unable to get ECT to propagate, but isolated column popped out as we isolated it - no load needed.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

New Snow

Problem #1 Comments

Faceted layer gets bigger, slab persists. Low angle was name of the game.

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Problem #2 Comments

Strong overnight ridge top winds loaded the east, northeast slopes heavily.

Snow Profile

Aspect

Northeast

Elevation

9,000'

Slope Angle

28°

Comments

Skied up Mill D to Dog Lake, summited Reynolds. Came down the southeast shoulder of Reynolds, up to Tom's Hill and skied the north aspect from there.

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Moderate

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Moderate

Coordinates

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