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Observation: Butler Fork

Observation Date
3/18/2018
Observer Name
Becca Babicz
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Butler Fork
Location Name or Route
Butler Fork
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Prival AIARE Rec 2 class ascended Butler Fork trail head at 09:40. Along the way group noted snow cone settlement on East facing aspect and 18 cm of new snow. Class noted prevailing westerly winds, and broke off micro cornices while testing stablility. Micro cornices broke off 2 in deep wind slabs. If conditions continue wind loading will be prevalent on easterly facing aspects. Group noted graupel at 8,460 that turned into dendrites falling at S1, on and off from 14:00 to 15:15.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
7"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Did not note new snow forming a storm slab layer at elevation 8460 ft. Below the new snow/old snow interface, snow was saturated.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Three-day class dug pits to analyze snow on 3/16 and 3/17, and noted basil facets 10cm above the ground in Pink Pine (NE aspect at 8360') and 35cm above the ground in Happy Days (NE aspect at 7850').
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Noted prevailing westerly winds at 8707' that could be a problem if trend continues.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Snow Pit tests showed initiation and propagation on deep persistent facets.
Video
Video of Snow pit test results from 3/17 in Happy Days (NE aspect at 7850') HS 116cm CTH SC @35cm from the ground. ECTPH on the same layer.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate