Observation Date
3/4/2015
Observer Name
Andy Farrell
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D South » Kessler » Argenta
Location Name or Route
Kessler - Argenta
Comments
Test Plus in West Argenta Trees.
ECTX (twice)
CT14 Q2 @ Density inversion within new snow
Ascended West Argenta Trees to summit ridge and descended Argenta Couloir trees. While heading up for a second run we witnessed the skier triggered avalanche just west of Argenta cliffs and checked in with the responsible party. Ascended the debris/bed surface to have a look at the lower crown below the cliffs.
Depth: 95cm
HS: 260cm
As predicted, culprit layer was the Mid Feb. surface facets/graupel layer. There didn't seem to be any noticeable graupel "pooling" at the crown below the cliffs. 2-3 cm observed.
As expected, there seems to be quite a bit of spatial variability out there.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates