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Observation: Silver Fork Headwall

Observation Date
4/4/2020
Observer Name
Chasen
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Silver Fork » Silver Fork Headwall
Location Name or Route
Silver Fork Headwall
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Wind loading on most aspects in upper elevations, with the exception of W-S facing. I went up Flagstaff Ridge, traversed along the ridge over to the Silver Fork Headwall for a couple laps and then returned via Emma 1/Binx's Folly and down into Flagstaff Gully. Performed multiple ski cuts with no significant results. A little tricky to navigate with widespread snow deposit on a variety of aspects. Cornices are getting big out there, kicked off some medium sized cornices with no results. Looks like more winds out of the Southwest today.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Cornice
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
They're getting big and will continue to get bigger especially over north faces, kicked off some medium sized cornices with no results.
Comments
Threw on the ski crampons almost immediately to ascend Flagstaff. Sheltered north facing was the way to go today. Some good skiing on the headwall. My return to my car down the Emma's was like skiing a very hard, crusty, groomed run. Actually a lot of fun and also a little bit terrifying. Was beginning to soften up lower down when I decended around 1100.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate