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Observation: Raymond Peak

Observation Date
1/26/2017
Observer Name
Fred
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Raymond Peak
Location Name or Route
Wally World
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Cool temps until about 1pm when for about 20 minutes things cleared off a bit. Light snow throughout most of the day. Wind chill was cold but wind speeds were really not that great.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Went looking for the random facets. Skied north, east and south aspects. I only dug one pit on a very protected north facing slope. I did find facets and a weak layer about 4 feet down. However the slope was well supported and thick so no cracking or collapsing was noted.

In the few moments that the sun did show it's self it was potent. If tomorrow is clear it will definitely be a player.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Red Flags Comments
During the clearing I was fortunate to be on top of Reynolds peak. Large avalanche on the Sweedish corner of Gobblers. Several other smaller slides along the same ridge running into Butler Fork. Also the East facing into Alexander basin had run as well and the entire east face of Wilson. Large sluffs noted off of Raymond as well.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments

I think that the buried facets are around but tricky to find and activate and really not that hard to avoid. That start of today's forecast was a good call imo.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates