Observation Date
11/26/2020
Observer Name
Gagne/Duvernay
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Brighton
Location Name or Route
Brighton Backcountry
Comments
Travel today was throughout the Brighton backcountry (Dog Lake/ Pioneer Ridge/ Pioneer Peak/ Millicent.). HS is 45-60 cms (18-24") and the snowpack still has enough structure to provide supportable travel and riding conditions. Despite the thin snowpack, there is some variability and in thinner/rocky areas the snowpack is quite weak and unsupportable (Adam Bellamomy noticed this in Cardiff Fork as well).
The top ~30-45 cms of the snowpack is continuing to weaken and turn to facets. We were also finding the thermal crust that formed about 7-10 days ago on almost all aspects to begin to deteriorate as well. For now, none of this is a problem, may be so once we do put a load of new snow on top.
Not enough new snow and/or wind to increase the avalanche danger, and solid Low on all aspects and elevations. (Though wouldn't be surprised to find a few tiny pockets of fresh wind drifts along 11,000 ridges.)
As my partner noted today, Low avalanche danger, Extreme hazard of hitting rocks!
Photos:
- Faceted grains. These are angular grains that are loose and weak.
- Snowpit showing top 45 cms snowpack beginning to weaken.
- Bring your rock skis.
- An idea of the thin coverage in alpine.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low