Observation Date
2/9/2020
Observer Name
Robertson
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Circle Awl
Location Name or Route
Circle Awl
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
10 cms of new snow consisting of stellars above graupal sat on top of a 1 cm crust, which I assume was a mix of rain/rime. New snow made the pre-existing skin track slippery when the track got steep. I hopped on a wind pillow but only the new snow broke out the length of my skis. Got an ECTN23 in graupal 10 cms down on the crust.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Decided to have a quick poke around after I skinned across a non-reactive wind-loaded pocket and the new snow sloughed out from under me. The wind slab was non-reactive and small cornice was stubborn. I dug directly beneath a small wind lip at the ridgeline in an obviously wind-loaded spot with HS 247 cm. A bit downslope, I measured HS 180-210 cms. About 67 cms (~22") depth, the snow was a bit inverted. I imagine this is the pre-existing low density snow that fell prior to Feb 6, which seems to be strengthening quickly in this location. No results on these deeper layers.
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
8,600'
Comments
Primary concern was 4" of dust on crust with a secondary concern for slightly inverted snow about 2' deep. Not a major issue in the places I traveled. I'd say LOW where I was, but I didn't get very high. It was sunny, clear, and warming up when I exited around 10am and I'd expect we might get some spicier obs from folks getting into big terrain either today or tomorrow.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates
