Observation: Reynolds Peak

Observation Date
2/11/2014
Observer Name
mark white
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D North » Butler Fork » Reynolds Peak
Location Name or Route
Reynolds Peak
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Wind speed and cloud covering increasing as the day progressed, some intermittent light snowfall.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Snow was either damp or crusted depending on the time of day on any slope with a southerly aspect, dry creamy powder most other locations with about ankle deep penetration while skiing.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Comments

Was headed for the Soldier, Wilson ridge line from Mill D, experienced a large collapse breaking trail on the summer trail in the steep north facing trees under Reynolds, being solo decided to bag that idea and head for the top of Reynolds for a view, which was short lived due to the dropping cloud deck. Still a bit surprised at the lack of activity from the last storm, got a good look at Wilson Chutes and headwall, and Soldier Fork, no activity noted. Stuck to lower angled north facing Reynolds trees, whole area was void of people. Did note a new avalanche in Cardiff Fork just north of High Ivory, looked like it might have been explosive triggered, because bomb holes can be seen in the photo in High Ivory, No results noted in High Ivory. Photos

Slide just north of High Ivory

Clouds rolling in on Reynolds Peak

Cornice drop on east facing Reynolds

Boot deep skiing

Still not trusting anything steep on the W through E facing slopes, patience and settlement are key right now in my opinion.

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