Observation Date
1/9/2014
Observer Name
Ivan Ward
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Reynolds Pk
Location Name or Route
Reynolds Peak
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
SSW wind was starting to pick up on the upper ridgeline of Reynolds Peak with obvious wind loading starting to take place on the east and northeast faces. Light snowfall @ 5am turning to moderate snowfall around 8am.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Around 4"-6" of new, low density snow found in the area, with probably an additional inch falling while there. Near the upper ridgelines of Reynolds Peak, shallow wind slabs were starting to form. Experienced some loose snow sloughs while riding.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Seems like the additional 4-6 inches of low density snow wasn't having a great effect on the facets beneath, but main concern was triggering a wind slab which could possibly step down and release a deeper slide. We didn't exerience much of a slab on Reynolds north, just a few sloughs within the new snow/facet interface.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
With increasing wind speeds and plenty of snow to transport, I'd expect this hazard to increase.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,400'
Slope Angle
32°
Comments
With the anticipated new snow, increasing winds, and poor snow structure, I'd estimate that the avalanche danger this morning in this area was moderate with an increasing trend toward considerable.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates
