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Observation: Georges Bowl

Observation Date
12/24/2020
Observer Name
R. Kosinski
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Fork » Georges Bowl
Location Name or Route
George's Bowl
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Cracking
Collapsing
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
The PWL problem is getting slightly less over time but isn't going to go away. If we get a good storm with a lot of load to stress this layer I expect widespread avalanches as it seems this layer is close to the tipping point in many areas. Collapsing and cracking is still widespread but snow isn't avalanching due to low angle or there being anchors in the snow pack.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
The new snow has consolidated very well. Ski conditions have improved exponentially over the last two weeks and riding is pretty good in many areas. The chance of starting a new snow avalanche is decreasing but has not gone away. There was a single line on the lower south side of the ridge separating the chutes from George's Bowl and the skier triggered a small point release on the first turn.
Comments
Started touring from Donut Falls around 1200 under clear skies. Ascended up to the ridge around 1400 with no wind and unlimited visibility. Made a run down the south edge of the bowl with no problems. It looks like people have been smart enough to stay out of Ivory Flakes and the chute on the north side of the Bowl. Went over to the north edge and skied about halfway down before getting a large collapse. Skied the rest of the way down without incident. Even after this last wind event I haven't seen windslabs. It was a busy day in the backcountry but it was good to see that people are making good choices and avoiding high hazard areas.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates