UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Observation: Butler Fork

Observation Date
1/8/2019
Observer Name
mark white
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Butler Fork
Location Name or Route
Butler Fork
Weather
Sky
Few
Weather Comments
Warm with mostly blue skies, zero wind.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
The new snow has settled out to about a foot of medium density snow, right side up unlike yesterday. S facing aspects got damp and will be crusted in the AM, there is still some places where it’s still wind damaged and upside down but this should go away with more settlement and a few cold clear nights.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Comments
It seems to be hit or miss out there, some slopes are still a bit inverted or wind damaged some have settled out and are holding creamy powder. Still not sold on steep exposed terrain especially with the dramatic increase in temperatures today, drastic changes sometimes produce dramatic result. It seems like the new snow is settling out and bonded well to the underlying surface. I was kind of surprised at the lack of natural activity in places like Wilson and Soldier Fork but I did note some large sluffs or avalanches that came off the Blue Ice, and the Diving Board in Broads Fork. I’m thinking with time and settlement most slopes will stabilize but time will tell, it was a big storm with a good amount of water weight and wind involved.
Photos: a bad photo of wet point releases in Butler Basin and skin wax would have been a good call today
Thinking a cautious moderate tomorrow not convinced yet but with no new activity except wet activity today that might be the call but as usual I’m holding my cards tight until I’m convinced.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate