UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!
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Observation: Mule Hollow

Observation Date
1/21/2019
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mule Hollow
Location Name or Route
Mule Hollow
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
3 inches per hour for several periods today at 8000 feet. High end light winds even well down in the drainages out of the NW from 1100 on, and still perceptible at 2200. HST at 1200 was 20 inches with another inch or 2 at 2200. Temperatures remained in the middle 20's throughout the day.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
20"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Unfortunately the last five inches came in a slight bit more dense and subsequently it was a bit inverted. This made it difficult to ride on low angle slopes as it was too slow. Trail breaking was thick as well. 30 degree and greater slope angles rode ok. Should settle out well overnight and where the winds aren't making it thicker the riding should be better. Reports from Mill D indicated less wind and no inversion with good riding.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Red Flags Comments
Did not make it to the heaviest wind affected and loaded terrain but with the winds ramping up around noon and still blowing at 2200, it would be sure bet that there are naturals occurring with the help of the wind and the abundant new snow. Storm Slabs were easy to initiate in the upper five inches in the more sheltered terrain traveled.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
See above of Wind Slab comments, and with the winds not expected to die down significantly overnight this issue may increase by sunrise.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Storm Slab and Loose Dry issues were an issue today, and most likely will decrease slightly over the next 24 hours, yet in steep terrain they may continue to be an issue of concern. If the sun comes out on Tuesday, steep southerly facing slopes may see Wet Loose issues of concern especially in the mid to lower elevations.
Finally, Persistent Slab issues are still a possibility in the outlying areas that have a thinner weaker snowpack.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable