Observation: West Desolation Ridge

Observation Date

1/17/2014

Observer Name

JBurk

Region

Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D North » West Desolation Ridge

Location Name or Route

Desolation Ridge

Weather

Sky

Clear

Wind Direction

West

Wind Speed

Calm

Weather Comments

Very clear calm day

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Dense Loose

Rain-Rime Crust

Snow Characteristics Comments

There was a good mixture of snow quality along the top of the ridge. As you drop into the north facing wind sheltered areas the snow was very consistent probably recrystallized snow

Red Flags

Wind Loading

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

There were definite signs of wind loading in the area. Also a very weak base to the snowpack

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

New Snow

Problem #1 Comments

New snow that had accumulated on top of the rain/rime crust moved during stability tests but had not yet formed a cohesive slab in this location. With the forecast being what it is, this could be a problem later in our season

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Problem #2 Comments

There was a definite slab of about 90cm in depth that was hard to trigger. If you happen to find the sweet spot you could trigger a very large slab avalanche

Snow Profile

Aspect

North

Elevation

9,200'

Slope Angle

28°

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Moderate

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Moderate

Observation: West Desolation Ridge

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