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Observation: Butler Fork

Observation Date
1/1/2016
Observer Name
Fred
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Butler Fork
Location Name or Route
Mill D to Butler Fork and back
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southeast
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Windy mo fo today. Really only thing to report is that the wind blew. It blew hard and it blew almost everywhere. Many slopes are now scowered with only old ski tracks poking out.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

The greatest snow on earth is now just a wind slab. Dense snow is still skiing well but not like it has been.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
Wind pillows abound. Sensitive to skies weight. Most slide paths ran but now there is a wind slab that can pop off and perhaps push you around.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem #1 Comments

Fresh wind slab.

Avalanche Problem #2
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

Possible deep slab running on the early season facets but not likely.

Wind slab can be manageable but will be increasing as long as the wind is blowing.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable