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Observation Date
2/8/2014
Observer Name
Brandon Dodge
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Brighton Perimeter
Location Name or Route
Big Cottonwood 10,420
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Mod-High winds on ridge tops and peaks
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
23"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Experienced several collapses today along ridgelines and a large collapse in a low angle meadow
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments

New snow upside down. Density change 8-10 from surface presenting the weakest interface with easy failures noted on CT tests on several aspects.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Problem #2 Comments

ECT test inconclusive. However CT tests in several locations resulted in failures near the ground. I believe it would be easy in N-E terrain for a small-moderate size side to produce enough energy to step down a failure near the ground.

UAC advanced skills course focused on travel in low angle terrain and route finding to make the best of a high hazard windy day

Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High