Observation: Meadows

Observation Date
12/11/2018
Observer Name
Patrick Fink
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Silver Fork » Meadows
Location Name or Route
Meadow Chutes
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Dug a quick pit on NE facing terrain near the top of Brad's line, ~30 yards below ridgeline at about 9500'. Total snow depth was about 75-80cm. 10cm F recrystalizing powder at the surface with F -> 4F -> 1F structure to the base. No crust here, just 2-3 cm of facets at the ground. CT16 SC on the facets, ECTP23+1. CT16 has been my result on this layer in 3 pits over 3 days, which doesn't convince me that the layer is rounding or settling much. Still, with stubborn extended columns there's clearly less energy around. With few collapses reported over the last few days we're in solidly moderate territory, but I worry that this layer will be reactivating intermittently all season, black swan style.
Comments
Warm temps at Spruce at noon. Totally clear skies and a beautiful calm evening in the Wasatch. Riding conditions continue to be good, though finding a place to make untracked turns without a sun crust is getting challenging. Very small changes in aspect and shading are making a big difference.
There's some surface hoar around in valley bottoms, but I wasn't seeing it today anywhere that I want to ski.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate