Observation Date
2/2/2020
Observer Name
McKay
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Silver Fork » East Bowl
Location Name or Route
East Bowl, Hideaway Park
Comments
Wind loading was present on many different aspects today. I suspect that is from the wind whipping around from the WNW yesterday and seemingly switching before the storm this AM. Pockets of drifted snow are reactive. We ski cut a small feature that seemed to be wind loaded and saw some reactivity on it (N).
Northern aspects rode well and seemed quite stable. We dug a pit and got a CT12 on the top 10" and an ECTN20 which was also on the top 10". We only got full propagation after roughly five jumps on the ECT with skis.
Our descent left something to be desired. Since we approached from LCC (and left cars there), we had to return on a southern aspect which was essentially combat skiing. Tons of sun crust, from nearly top to bottom. I'd expect to see a good amount of slides occurring on SE - SW aspects on 2/3-2/4 as the new snow loads these layers.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable