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Observation: Twin Lakes Pass

Observation Date
12/5/2017
Observer Name
Cody Hughes
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Grizzly Gulch » Twin Lakes Pass
Location Name or Route
Twin Lakes Pass
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Cold bluebird day in the Central Wasatch
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
14"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Light density new snow sitting on top of a variety of crusts and facets (sugar snow).

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We saw two avalanches just off the patsy marley ridgeline that seemed to have been remotely triggered from the skin track above. Also, could have been naturals. From a distance they appeared to be within the new snow and did not step down.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments

We have a very weak snowpack with depth hoar at the base in most terrain north through east facing above 9500 ft. The issue is that the recent storm did not produce enough of a load (or weight) to create a large spread natural avalanche cycle. On the leeside of slopes where you can find more of a cohesive slab you will be able to produce an avalanche that will most likely step to the ground because there are so many weak layers mid pack and at the base. This problem isn't going anywhere fast.

Snow Profile
Elevation
Unknown
Slope Angle
Unknown
Video

In this ECT test there were no results. We also did one more ECT that produced no propogation. However, one of our CT test did have a significant red flag result with a score of CT21 Q1 sheer at the ground (depth hoar). We just couldn't find the slab or weight on top where we were to be able to get solid results. We know the pack is weak and in isolated areas where the wind has formed more of a slab we were pretty certain that if you could find that slab you could find an avalanche.

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