Observation: Porter Fork

Observation Date

2/10/2016

Observer Name

Anna

Region

Salt Lake » Mill Creek Canyon » Porter Fork

Location Name or Route

Main Porter - Peak 9600 - Thaynes - Mill creek rd

Weather

Sky

Few

Weather Comments

Temp at midday at 9600 feet was 46F.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions

Faceted Loose

Damp

Snow Characteristics Comments

The snow was very wet and punchy around any rock outcrops on south facing slopes up high. There felt like a very real possibility for wet slabs. Avoiding the sun, we found excellent (and surprisingly untracked) dry powder in sheltered, north facing trees. Descending into the inversion, the snow turned to surface hoar and remained dry all the way to the Mill creek road.

Red Flags

Rapid Warming

Red Flags Comments

With the warming temps, I'd avoid any areas with a possibility of glide cracks and wet slabs.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Wet Snow

Trend

Same

Problem #1 Comments

South facing above 9000 feet was becoming very wet and punchy around rocks - free water was easily squeezed from a snow ball. Temps felt semi-tropical. But I never have summer so how would I know?

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Moderate

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Moderate

Coordinates

Observation: Porter Fork

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