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Observation: Dry Fork of AF

Observation Date
12/15/2018
Observer Name
Dave Ream
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Alta Periphery » Dry Fork of AF
Location Name or Route
Dry Fork behind Supreme. 10,300 ft
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
The wind up high was moving a large amount of snow onto leeward facing slopes and stiffening upper elevation
slabs significantly.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments
The monster in the basement is not going away anytime soon. There are still large grain facets at the bottom of the snowpack especially in shallow rocky areas. The October rain crust is still around with small grain facets on top.
Comments
I dug the pit near the ridge line in a cool shaded area
90 cm deep NE facing 32 degree slope
ECTN/30
CT N/30
The snow pack lacked energy in this spot but I’m finding a lot of variability out there. From the Obs I’ve been reading and explosive releases in the ski areas, Steep North facing rocky areas are giving me the creeps. It’s a good time to dig lots of pits in areas you are skiing and carefully evaluate your aspects and slope angles.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates