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Observation: Days Fork

Observation Date
12/20/2019
Observer Name
Justin and Kirk
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Days Fork
Location Name or Route
Days Fork
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Travel today was in Days Fork on East and North East aspects. Dug a pit on a NE aspect at 9500 feet. Snow depth was 140cm. No action! The basement facets were there (about 20-30cm worth) but felt more like a melting slushie than sugar. This layer is definitely gaining strength and I agree with the UAC's recent message that time is what we need. More time! ECTX and the when I pulled the slab (fist hardness at the top, pencil hardness just above the basement facets) out it did not break cleanly on the October snow interface. All good signs that our dangerous facets are healing.
Comments
Great morning in Days Fork. Felt good enough about the snowpack structure to push into some slightly steeper NE facing terrain. Didn't feel any instabilities but that doesn't mean you couldn't trigger something. It was great to run into Greg from the UAC again.We agreed that things are looking good but to also keep in mind that outliers exist (shallower snowpack zones, lines that have slid this season, etc) and it's still possible to trigger a nasty avalanche that could end up very badly for you and the ones you love. Always great chatting with you Greg!
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate