Observation: Mineral Fork

Observation Date

1/10/2015

Observer Name

Primomo/AIARE L2

Region

Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mineral Fork

Location Name or Route

Mineral Fork

Weather

Sky

Overcast

Wind Speed

Calm

Weather Comments

Cloud cover increased by mid morning and remained overast most of the day with only a few patches of blue sky showing through. A few flakes were starting by the time we headed out at 1500.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions

Dense Loose

Damp

Snow Characteristics Comments

Substantial greenhousing was occurring and turned the snow surface damp even on N aspects up to our high point, 8800ft. This is good for future stability given that we are now getting light snowfall to bury this layer, but is still likely to become a persistent weak layer at 8500ft and above.

Pushalanches seemed like they would be easy to initiate on steep slopes at elevations below 8000ft on off aspects.

Red Flags

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

Midpack has become quite weak and would not support the weight of a person on foot in many locations on N-E aspects below 8800ft. Foot penetration 60-80cm. Inconsistent, but positive results for propagation with snowpack tests. Layer of concern was 3mm depth hoar grains 10cm up from ground; On N aspect at 8800ft; PST 60/100 (END) x3 in 3 different pits with an average HS of 110cm, but one PST 20/100 (END) in an area where the HS was slightly shallower (85cm). All these within a 50m zone. ECTP 26 here, ECTX from the deeper profiles.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Wet Snow

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

New Snow

Snow Profile

Aspect

North

Elevation

8,800'

Slope Angle

34°

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Low

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Low

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