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Observation: Big Cottonwood Canyon

Observation Date
12/27/2018
Observer Name
Andrew McLean
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Big Cottonwood Canyon
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
There was about 4-6 inches of new, light density powder in the upper Big Cottonwood area today. I didn't see any signs of it cracking or collapsing, but in some wind funneled areas, it had set up into a cohesive drum-like slab. On steeper test slopes, I was able to get a bit of sluffing going, and although it didn't go far, it could potentially knock a skier of of his/her feet on steeper slopes.
Comments
The new snow seems well bonded to the older layer and of such light density that it seems like a solid "moderate" level of safety. You could probably get into trouble on higher, wind loaded areas, but in general, it is just good, fun skiing. I saw quite a few tracks on steep lines over 40 degrees with no clean fractures, but a bit of sluffing.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate