Observation Date
1/19/2018
Observer Name
John Mletschnig
Region
Salt Lake » Mill Creek Ridgeline
Location Name or Route
Millcreek Ridge
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Traveled up Mill D North to Reynolds Pk, Big Water Gulch, Soldier Pk, and Wilson Glade. Lots of wind and sun and temperature affected snow out there. Below 8000' the snow surface was damp. Near surface facets present on shaded aspects in top 10cm of snowpack. Much of the surface hoar we observed in our travels was laid over or temperature affected to some degree; didn't see much above 9500'.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
Although it is now harder to trigger an avalanche than it was the snowpack structure still shows many deep weaknesses in most protected locations. Some areas have more of a slab on top of weak snow than others. Areas where there is an overlaying cohesive slab are suspect. It will be interesting to see what the coming snow load does.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
8,800'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments
Big Water pit: ECTP29 at 25cm on Depth Hoar Sudden Collapse. HS 75cm. Failure on Depth Hoar was in Fist Hardness snow below 1 Finger slab. Surface hoar (4mm) and near surface facets present on snow surface.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates
