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Observation Date
1/6/2017
Observer Name
chester
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Grizzly Gulch » Twin Lakes Pass
Location Name or Route
twin lakes
Weather
Sky
Clear
Weather Comments
cold but beautiful. no wind.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
cold snow was bit slow, light on top, dense below. Easy trail breaking.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Red Flags Comments
I saw a lot of rider induced sluffing today around heavens gate. there has been a lot of water weight.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Cornice
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
new large cornices have been made.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
2 layers in the storm snow from this week. there is a density change 5" down. fluffy snow 5" on the surface with much denser snow below. it did not bond well. it is what is sluffing. very manageable, weakest layer. below that there is another newish snow layer weakness, I would guess grouple, i know some fell, but couldn't find in my pit. it was about 15" from top. I got both layers to collapse in pit but did not shear. pre storm buried surface facets from last week are still there but seem to be building strength quick, some depth hoar in rocks. 160cm total depth. I am mainly concerened about the layer 15" down and the buried surface facets from last week. My thought is snowpack healed quick but might no bet quite done healing, It was very cold today so, maby Ill wait another day for n side of the compass high.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,900'
Slope Angle
32°
sluffing looked commonplace and manageable 5" deep.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate