Observation: Reynolds Pk

Observation Date
12/13/2018
Observer Name
evelyn
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Reynolds Pk
Location Name or Route
Reynolds Peak
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Cold. But lots of sun and almost no wind kept the cold temperatures reasonable. I've got my eye on the large 15 degree temperature jump forecast for tomorrow.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Nice little refresh. Skied deeper than just the new snow on shady slopes where it landed on old lightly faceted snow.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
8,800'
Slope Angle
32°
Comments
I wanted to look at the shallower, mid elevation snow pack and see how the prolonged dry spells were affecting it. Interesting crust layering on east, but without much load at the moment. It will be worth revisiting in another week or before the next storm.
Dipped into a northerly facing slope at about 9,000' and dug a quick pit. It was stronger than I expected to find. The now normal weak, sugary facets on the ground, but the snow above was still a 1 finger hard slab, softening to 4 finger, and then fist.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate