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Observation: Bear Trap

Observation Date
1/30/2016
Observer Name
John Lemnotis
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Bear Trap
Location Name or Route
beartrap
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Mostly calm at lower elevations today with snow fall ranging from light in the morning, moderate in the early afternoon, and non existent on my exit around 4pm
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Not the epic storm we dream of in Utah but snow nonetheless! Rain was evident at the trail head from early in the storm when the temps were warm. The dense snow sitting on top of sun crusts didn't bond very well but I never touched terrain that was steep enough to see how far it was running.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Through my tests I noted a strong snow pack but our structure is still terrible so that will trump strength any day of the week for me. Slopes on the S half of the compass had well developed crust below the new snow.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
My main concern is still the lower layers of the snow pack. They've been reactive with every storm we've seen over the last few weeks and I would continue to steer clear of repeaters, shallow snow pack areas, and start zones that we know contain trigger points ex: rocks
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
The Storm snow was not bonding well in and of my hasty pits today. In steeper terrain it will probably run and once settled could break as a more cohesive slab.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Southeast
Elevation
9,200'
Slope Angle
20°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable