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Observation: Pink Pine

Observation Date
11/24/2014
Observer Name
PE2
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Red Pine » Pink Pine
Location Name or Route
Pink Pine
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Weather Comments
Low cloud deck. Barely any wind. Comfortable temperatures. Glad there was no wind.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Way at the base, down to the ground, there was a thin layer of damp snow. Several inches of rotted snow. Then the 30”.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Collapsing
Red Flags Comments
Areas that will grow into the cornices here hollow, supportable, and would collapse loudly. The size of the collapsed areas was directly proportionate to the density of trees: many trees not so big collapse, few trees bigger collapse.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Stiff wind slabs in this area could hold a good amount of weight.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Rotted snow at the ground wasn’t as thick, and is not as well positioned in the snowpack to have the new storm slab slide (at the steepness we were directly standing in, but sure would have had it been any steeper). Not to say that in the areas steep enough and lacking trees would not have slid, but we experienced mostly collapsing. There is enough ground features still sticking up to keep this new storm slab from sliding (but we did not travel it the barely treed terrain, or open grassy patches, which possibly could have slid). This rotted snow is about 4-6” thick, and before this new slab, there were still a lot of anchors sticking out. Now, there is a good chunk of snow sitting on this rotten snow, filling in the gaps around the anchors. If this new snow weakens or gets crusty, the majority of the anchors will still be covered, leading to a really high danger in the future.
Comments
Went looking for collapsing snow and found it. Went looking for sliding snow, and kind of found it. We went looking for 30” and we found it. When turns were linked, the skiing was awesome. Our intentions were to get out for a hike and poke around. I must say, 30” sure will put a smile on your face. How often do you get fresh tracks to your car along the White Pine trail? While walking along the Pink Pine ridge line, we collapsed an area that produced a significant crack. The whole open area was affected. If the area had less trees it could have slid. If the area was a few degrees steeper, it could have slid. In the photo below, the entire open area is the location I am speaking of.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable