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Observation Date
4/24/2020
Observer Name
Craig Gordon
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon
Location Name or Route
Twin Lakes Environs
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Nice, cool start to the day with light northerly winds. But eventually the strong sun won out and the snow surface on the north half of the compass starting to take on heat right around noon.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Steeper isn't necessarily better as many steep slopes are dotted with dribblers from above, with a bit of new snow helping to camouflage them somewhat.
Whilst low angle slopes were the ticket. Shallow, cold, cream with a nice spongy base underneath.
Man... we are blessed to have this in our backyard.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
No red flags observed where I traveled.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Looking over at tracks on Figure 8 Hill, I would call the surface damp, not particularly wet, snow. Exiting BCC, I walked on some mid canyon snow which was getting punchy, especially around rock outcrops. I suspect we salvage a bit of supportability tonight, but looking ahead it feels like the pack will take a hard hit this week with soaring temps on tap.
Also... some big corni out there to be aware of and steer away from.
Comments
Sunrise on Milly captured from an opposing ridge.
Resort PSA-
Each resort has their own individual uphill policy, found here.
While the avy hazard is straight-forward and predictable right now, other things can happen while we're riding... tweaked knees, etc...
These are unusual times and we don't want to further tax the hard working women and men of the health-care system. Also, keep in mind... Brighton is very flexible with the backcountry community and a huge supporter of avy outreach and education. The Brighton Center traffic light is red (meaning no uphill travel) and we as a community need to respect that.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None