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Observation: Willows

Observation Date
1/1/2020
Observer Name
Robertson/Shea
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Willows
Location Name or Route
Willow Fork
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
We encountered 3-5" of new snow at low to mid elevations from noon to 4:30pm. The new snow fell on low density stellars and shovel tilt tests showed the old snow could act as a weak layer. Some short graupel episodes occurred after noon while the main event began around 3pm and continued past our exit at 4:30pm. Graupel pooled beneath the steepest slopes and half filled in our skinner between runs.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Moderate winds moved snow around at mid elevations while high winds at upper elevations completely stripped the low density, old snow and deposited it in on lee slopes. Wind slabs at mid elevations on S-SE slopes seemed fairly welded into place. Visibility was poor when we topped out on the PC Ridgeline above South Monitor and we didn't go beyond the exposed grass along the ridge to verify any avalanche activity.
Comments
Got an ECTX in a quick pit at 9500' just below ridgeline on a 30 degree N facing sheltered slope - apparently not enough load there to overload the basal facets, maybe by tomorrow? Skiing in sheltered W and N was great - supportable and surfy. There's just enough spongy snow to feel comfortable about downed logs at lower elevations. We observed a Moderate danger today in the areas we skied, but in more wind loaded terrain, it was certainly Considerable and with more new snow and wind, High is probably right for tomorrow.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High