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Observation Date
1/1/2014
Observer Name
Kikkert
Region
Salt Lake » Mill Creek Canyon » Porter Fork
Location Name or Route
Porter Fork
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Wind had died down to a light to moderate breeze along ridgelines only.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Characteristics Comments

Snow conditions across the spectrum, sun crusts on south and some west aspects, semi supportable on upper elevations with a few scattered thin wind slabs, and bottomless facets on many mid elevations shady slopes. But, having been able to get out very little this season, I am easily satisfied.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
A couple shallow drifts here and there from last nights wind. Although some of them seemed spooky because they were deposited over 1.5 feet of sugar, nothing cracked out. Not really a red flag, but worth noting I guess.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments

Lots of weak snow in Porter, with mid elevation shady slopes faceted top to bottom. Made frustrating skinning in some places. In the more upper elevations, could still find a bit of a slab in places, but as others have noted, seemed dead. Still clean shears in snowpit tests, but stubborn and no energy or propagation (CT24 Q2, ECTX 23 Q2). In addition, seemed like the slab was patchy, present in some places, but then 10 feet way it may be much more faceted. Found very large depth hoar as noted by Jake from Millcreek.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,200'
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates