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Observation: Bowman Fork

Observation Date
3/18/2016
Observer Name
Toddeo
Region
Salt Lake » Mill Creek Canyon » Bowman Fork
Location Name or Route
Bowman to Alexander's, Depth Hoar Bowl to Wilson chutes
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Just enough breeze to help keep some of the snow from going off. Air temp was chilly in the shade. Hot in the sun.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Powder on shaded norths and upper elevation protected norths. Many aspects will have a crust in the am. Portions of the lower 1/3 of the Wilson chutes had a light crust at 3.30 pm. Damp snow in areas exposed to the sun.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Cracking
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Recent Avalanche in a separate ob. Some minor cracking in drifts while ascending the lookers right ridge of the Wilson glade, localized and minor. Many rollerballs today and yesterday on sunny aspects and along the millcreek road. Poor snow pack structure selected due 2' of weak facets on the top of the Wilson peak nw shot into Alexander's. The facets are below a 4 to 10' windslab. I was able to isolate columns but sunk thru the slab into the facets while skinning We backed of the shot due to the facets, this is not uncommon in this area. Could lead to pockets of considerable hazard in thin snow pack areas. Wilson chutes were non reactive to ski cuts. Some old debris was visable.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

As evidenced by the recent slide in depth hoar bowl.

Moderate hazard.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

Temps were somewhat cool today but I would be concerned with any increase in temps combined with the spring sun.

Moderate hazard perhaps rising higher if temps exceed forecast.

Comments

Quick pits on north aspects indicate a weak break/shear at 8-10'. Looks like surface facets sitting on top of decomposing grapuel.

Photo below, quick pit showing facets in the upper portion of the nw Wilson shot into Alexander's.

Photo below, only skunk I have seen while skiing here in 35 years!

Hard call on the hazard, mostly moderate but the sun and increasing temps are the wildcard.

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