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Observation: Butler Fork

Observation Date
3/18/2018
Observer Name
Hannah Follender
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Butler Fork
Location Name or Route
West Butler Saddle
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Prival AIARE Rec 2 class. Significant increase in wind speed on ridge around noon and remained steady through at least the afternoon. Observed cornice growth over one hour period on east side of saddle. Loading on East facing slopes around 8600 ft.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
7"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Graupel mixed with light snow midday.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Wind loading on east facing slopes. Observed cornice growth on east side of ridge over 1 to 2 hours.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Knew of problem based on prior two days of tests. Observed deep slab problem in snow pits dug on 3/16/18 in Happy Days (NE 7850ft) facets 30cm from ground, and 3/17/18 Pink Pine (NE 8360ft) facets 10cm from ground.
Comments
Photo of graupel and wind on west facing slope off West Butler Saddle.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate