Observation: Reynolds Pk

Observation Date
1/18/2019
Observer Name
mark white
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Reynolds Pk
Location Name or Route
Reynolds Peak
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Overcast and snowing in the AM, lifting clouds and a few sucker holes in the PM, light winds from the NW on the peak.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2'
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
There seemed to be a storm total of around 2 feet above 9000ft, it’s a layered snow pack with light density snow at the bottom, then yesterday’s denser snow and back to light density on the surface. It’s still a bit inverted but nothing like Thursday, you would break through the dense layer hiking but stay on top while skiing. It seems to be settling out rapidly, not much wind affect on the surface snow in the terrain covered.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Comments
Headed up to Reynolds Peak to see what was happening in the mid elevation terrain today after a day of full on weather abuse on the PC Ridgeline yesterday. Trail breaking is still some work but not like yesterday’s upside down cake. Broke trail up to the peak with no intentions of skiing it and after discussing it with my partner we decided it was more than likely cross loaded with a big wind pillow about 30ft down the slope. Someone had snuck in on the side in the N facing trees but in my opinion the reward was minimal and the risk wasn’t worth it, patience is key after a large storm, best to give it a few days to settle out and the skiing is also far better after settlement. It’s also important to remember that I triggered two large repeater slides on the PC Ridgeline yesterday and Reynolds Peak has already slid a couple times this year and thus makes it suspect in my mind. We ended up skiing down the shoulder of Reynolds and after two large collapses on the steeper portions we felt good about our call not to ski Reynolds face.
photos: small cornice drops on the face of Reynolds, and lower on the shoulder, and some medium strenuous trail breaking
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable