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Observation Date
12/29/2014
Observer Name
Toddeo
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Bear Trap
Location Name or Route
Beartrap/Willows
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Cold, Some sun in the am then it clouded up again. Trace of new snow.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
15"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

6" overnight. storm total is approx. 14 to 16". Generally easy to isolate columns in all areas traveled.

Of note: The base of the storm snow contains a shear zone. ECTP 1 to 4 (Q2) in NW facing Beartrap, this may be related to surface hoar.. A quick column to the ground in this area (9400', HS+130cm) indicates that the basel facets are healing. ECTN with a good pounding.

Snowpack still hard to isolate in shallow areas on the PC ridge. HS 60 to 70cm, failing in old facets.

One recent shallow slab (2-3" deep, 40' wide) in an area of NE facing Dutch Draw, likely happened during one of the high PI episodes yesterday or last night.

Based on my snow profile below, south aspects do not appear to be as stable as they were a couple of days ago.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Looked at the Dutch Draw slide, definitely a red flag! Still not trusting the deep pack, this includes the lower ECTP as shown in my pit profile.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

On steep aspects. Decreasing danger if we do not get wind. Increasing with wind.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments

Still lurking. Although more of a high consequence moderate probability scenario in my opinion.

Snow Profile
Aspect
South
Elevation
9,700'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments

Two days ago, I was thinking almost green light on south aspects, not so anymore with the last snowfall event (shear at base).

I still plan on avoiding steep aspects on the north half of the compass.

Bret did an awesome job on the Wilson Glade Avalanche Report, a great reminder about places we feel are sort of low angle.

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