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Observation: Mill D North

Observation Date
1/6/2017
Observer Name
cammackenzie
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D North
Location Name or Route
Mill-D North
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Beautiful clear day. Strong solar influence but a consistant light breeze to keep snow surfaces cool. Evidence of rime on trees and thin rime crust on snowpack above 8800'.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments

Near surface facets rapidly developing. 2-3mm facets well developed from the surface down 10cm. 3-5mm surface hoar on mid elevation slopes sheltered from the wind and sun.

Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
No major red flags observed for now. Anticipate the near surface facets and pockets of surface hoar creating a future issue with the potential to put 2" of water on top of them.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Evidence of recent wind loading on east to northeast aspects at high elevation. It seems like these pockets are stubborn and isolated, however, I suspect with the volume of backcountry travelers out tomorrow someone will find a pocket.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Normal Caution
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments

Enjoy the great skiing and riding while we can, as this storm comes in, I expect conditions to rapidly change and danger to rise.

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