Donate Now to Our Year End Campaign!
Observation Donate / Join
Observation Donate / Join

Observation: Upper Mill Creek

Observation Date
2/9/2014
Observer Name
Andrews
Region
Salt Lake » Mill Creek Canyon » Upper Mill Creek
Location Name or Route
Powder Park 1 and Sheep Shit Ridge
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Heavy snow showers for a couple of hours midday. Moderate winds on ridges. Temps were warm in the morning, but cooled when the storm moved in.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2.5'
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow down low at 7400 ft had been rained on during the night. The consistency was better as we ascended, but was high density. This made for easy trail breaking and remarkable skiing! Supportable and creamy for some high speed turning.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The only red flag we didn't have today was cracking. Had moderate collapsing during ascent, but not as much as yesterday.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
There was 2-3 feet of new, high density snow on top of weak faceted snow.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Not so much a wet avalanche as just rapid warming.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
9,300'
Slope Angle
27°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High

Learn More

Read About Our History

Take a Class

Find an Avalanche Class

How To

Read the forecast

Help the Community

Submit an Observation

Upcoming Events

View Our Calendar