Observation Date
2/15/2014
Observer Name
Jeff Morton
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Willows
Location Name or Route
Willow Fork
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
The temperatures were warm for this time of year with a light breeze coming from the west. The ridges had higher gusts, but it was generally comfortable to be on the ridges.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
1"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
The snow conditions varied quite a bit by elevation. From 8500' to about 9500' we experienced a thin but noticeable crust on the snow with a few inches of looser snow beneath. After 9500' the snow conditions got a little softer and actually made for a few good turns. The west and southwest faces near the ridges were completely wind blown and was loading the north through east ridges. I am very surprised at how heavy and wet the snow is. This wet snow is compounding the persistent layer problem we have. The pit we dug today was 170 cm and the snow at the top was heavy and wet.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We saw them all today. We actually went up to see if we could see the slides in the Monitors. We couldn't really get a good view and we weren't willing to go any closer because the entire ridge was wind loaded and the cornices were large and unstable. The avalanches we are having right now are terrifying, they are big and breaking all the way to the ground.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Cornice
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
The cornices above the Monitors were huge. Almost every ridge we looked at had something big. There were a few individuals out taking pictures on one of the cornices above West Monitor, we literally saw him stick his skis to the edge. I don't know how the snow held him, it looked like he was on the crest of a wave ready to go on a huge ride.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
We dug a pit today and was not able to complete an ECT test but we did notice several layers that if given the right trigger could go. It was probably not as sensitive where we were but if you look at the avalanches we are having or any of the observations there are several layers still lurking.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Southwest
Elevation
9,800'
Slope Angle
33°
Comments
It is amazing to see all the activity going on in the backcountry right now. Not only that, there have been several really impressive avalanches. This should be enough to keep anyone on edge. The skiing conditions were not the greatest today, but we did get a few good turns in when we were above 9000'. We were a little disappointed that we weren't able to see into the Monitors, I really wanted to get a feel for the avalanche we had about a week ago. Just walking around you can see how dangerous the conditions are, especially if you have been paying attention to the persistent layers that aren't going away quickly.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates
