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Observation: Porter Fork

Observation Date
2/3/2020
Observer Name
Greg Gagne
Region
Salt Lake » Mill Creek Canyon » Porter Fork
Location Name or Route
West Porter to Main Porter
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Moderate
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2'
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
60-75 cms (24-30") storm snow above 8500' in Millcreek. Half that amount lower in the canyon. Very low-density snowfall.!
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Comments
Traveled today from West to Main Porter Fork in Millcreek Canyon. This storm definitely favored the benches and mid-elevations. Despite the thigh-deep trail breaking, the very low-density snow was not reactive at all, and I could only get sluffing or cracking during periods of heavy PI or a slight increase in winds.
The winds really seem to be the deciding factor in hazard for Tuesday, at least at the low and mid elevations. If the winds do not increase, sluffing on steep slopes will be the only concern. But any bump in wind speeds will quickly take this low-density snow and creative sensitive wind drifts, especially at the mid elevations.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate