Observation: Powder Park

Observation Date
12/30/2020
Observer Name
Marshall
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D North » Powder Park
Location Name or Route
Powder Park
Red Flags
Red Flags
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Drifted snow from the recent E winds was evident in the drainage down to about 9000', but seemed to be fairly settled with no cracking observed. Main concern is areas where the new drifts have added weight to the slab on top of our PWL.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Dug a few pits on northerly aspects near 9000' to see how the snowpack has adjusted to loading over the past week. Pit tests are becoming more stubborn but when a collapse occurs there is still propogation and a clean shear. With the relatively minimal weight sitting on top and the HS of the depth hoar, the PWL seems likely to last for quite some time. Test results: ECTP22, CT10 Q1, both at 35cm.
Also noted some near surface faceting in the top few cm of snow on sheltered aspects. May not be an issue depending on weather over the next few days but something to watch for.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,100'
Comments
Long time listner, first time caller - er - observer!
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates