Observation: Big Water

Observation Date
1/12/2019
Observer Name
Fink
Region
Salt Lake » Mill Creek Canyon » Big Water
Location Name or Route
Big Water Gulch
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Shovel shear hard with irregular fracture plane on mid-pack weak layers predating the last storms. Failing on a mix of facets and grauppel but without much energy.
Comments
Surprising snow depth for upper millcreek, TS 120-140cm. F new snow failing CT11PC at new/old interface, unlikely to be of consequence during upcoming storms. More interesting is CTH22 down 40 cm on mid-pack grauppel/facet layer. Not a lot of propagative energy here but possibly more lively with load. At my pit site there remained 10+ cm basal facets 6-8mm with little cohesion.
Overall moderate danger with hazard limited to higher wind loaded slopes. Low elsewhere, with lingering potential.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates