Observation: Michigan City

Observation Date
12/21/2020
Observer Name
John Lemnotis
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Grizzly Gulch » Michigan City
Location Name or Route
Michigan City
Weather
Sky
Few
Weather Comments
Winds were mostly calm today with no noted snow moving in upper LCC and the twin lakes pass area.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
We noted a variety of snow surfaces today. North aspects held cool powder and rode well, though we continued to stay out of avalanche terrain on the dark side. South aspects up to 10500 were damp and producing wet avalanches. These were characterized by point releases from cliff bands and exposed rocks in steep terrain. One notable slide pictured below occurred sometime between 11a and 2p. Though it didn't hit the skin track it could pack a punch and avalanches like these should not be ruled out with warm temps and direct sun even when they are not our primary avalanche problem. Beware of what is above and below you! These damp surfaces will freeze overnight leaving a new crust to potentially deal with.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Rapid warming on south faces were more of a concern at upper elevations than I had expected they would be today. We still have poor structure on
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
This is not going away any time soon. Although we didn't dig any pits or trigger anything related to this layer today this problem will take weeks if not longer to heal. Continue to give avalanche terrain a lot of respect where this problem is present.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Todays second problem was wet snow. Upon our exit to the summer rd in grizzly gulch the W slopes had heated and shed roller balls as well. With temperatures forecasted to be much colder tonight and tomorrow we can expect this to go away.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates