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Observation: Porter Fork

Observation Date
1/9/2014
Observer Name
Fred
Region
Salt Lake » Mill Creek Canyon » Porter Fork
Location Name or Route
Porter Fork. West shoulder G.K. and Under Mt. Raymond
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Wind active as elevation increased today. Upper GK wind affected. Strong gust front at about 2:40. Snow fall light to heavy. An intense grouple fall for a few moments post frontal passage.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
7"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Density change in the new snow layers.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Snow not all that reactive. Yet. Cracking only in the density change. No real sluffing but slope angles were 35 or less.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem #1 Comments

Attached pic of wind damage near the ridge of GK.

Quick pit dug at upper bench. Nice view of LARGE facets below new snow.

Pic of graupel falling hard!

Best skiing on lower angle slopes out of the wind.

Danger tomorrow dependent on elevation and slope angle.

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