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Observation: Main Gobblers

Observation Date
12/28/2015
Observer Name
Toddeo
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill Creek Canyon » Mill A » Butler Fork » Gobblers » Main Gobblers
Location Name or Route
Gobblers
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Very calm day with a trace of light snow in the late afternoon. Felt humid.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Surface snow is weakening with some surface hoar in areas.

A trace of a crust on some south aspects, minor.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Still think the last slide cycle warrants concern. Some minor cracking in drifts along the summit ridge. Still seeing facets but I feel like they are beginning to heal (see profile below).
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Still there, but I think things are bridging/ healing. I think I could say moderate danger albeit with high consequences (Moderate X). I feel that if consequences are factored highly into the equation as they do in places like Rogers Pass (Parks Canada), the hazard could be considerable. But on a probability scale it could be moderate, hard call.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,600'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments

Photo below, Facets from the upper facet layer in my snow profile. This layer is pockety in nature. Facets are beginning to round and bridge.

I had to beat on the midpack to get a positive ECTP on what I believe is a relict surface hoar layer that has been substantially decomposed.

Overall the snow pack in this area on the NW facing skiers left side of main Gobblers seemed fairly strong. Note: we were not willing to ski the NW facing portion of the main gut.

SW aspects in the main gut were thin and bushy.

A ton of debris in the main gully, impressive.

I think I am ready to say a moderate hazard in this area......With the caveat that consequences could be high.

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