UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Observation: Mineral Basin

Observation Date
3/20/2019
Observer Name
B
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Snowbird Ski Resort » Mineral Basin
Location Name or Route
Lower Mineral Basin
Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Poor snowpack structure confined to extremely weak surface snow on mid and upper elevation shady (NNE, N and NNW aspects) with slope angles > 25 degrees. Faceted snow up to 4 inches deep exist in these isolated zones. Widespread cracking observed on the root side of many of the large overhanging cornices.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Cornice
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Long running cracks were observed on the ridgelines adjacent to many of the large cornices.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Any new snow and or wind loading laid down on any of the lingering surface facets in the steep sheltered northerly facing terrain will present issues of poor bonding and possible sensitive/reactive slab potential.
Comments
Minimal/manageable surface Loose Dry avalanching/sluffing in the very steep northerly facing.
Immature corn on mid to upper elevation southerly facing terrain that requires good timing. Off aspects still not cooked down enough to allow for consistent supportable carving and turning.
Loose wet issues appeared to have played themselves out, and good overnight re-freezes continue to strengthen the pack overall.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low