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Observation: Porter Fork

Observation Date
2/16/2020
Observer Name
John Mletschnig
Region
Salt Lake » Mill Creek Canyon » Porter Fork
Location Name or Route
Porter Fork
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Storm snow came in upside down and on top of near surface facets above the rime crust. Highly reactive today with widespread cracking and avalanching. Bigger and more connected avalanches will happen with more snow and a more connected slab.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Wind transport and high elevations was moderate
Comments
We observed widespread cracking, avalanching and slope slumping (slopes which attempted to naturally avalanche but were not steep enough to slide) in and around Raymond Glade and Paradise Gully. Areas with greatest slab connectivity were areas nearest ridges with a degree of wind loading. We only saw avalanches up to 20 cm deep but slides were up to 300' wide (Paradise Gully) and able to be remotely triggered.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High