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Observation: Brighton Perimeter

Observation Date
1/27/2021
Observer Name
Chester
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Brighton Perimeter
Location Name or Route
Brighton perifery
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Annerometers tell the story. Widespread wind drifted snow even in the trees where i toured(9000' and above trying to stay out of wind off high ridges) . I came upon a pro who remote triggered a very small avalanche on a test sized slope from 100' away with several contours in between.
I got cracking wind drifted snow.
Usually this type of problem is fairly manageable but with our pwl its not.
The concern for me was natural avalanche triggered by activity wind drifted snow and that dropping down into our persistent weak layer.
Triggering a windslap could easily end up unmanageable with our pwl.
Unfortunately the wind skin made low angle riding inverted, slow and draggy even in trees above 9000'. Still great to get out and get some powder.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
...boot penetration to crotch.
Comments
I haven't been on any sizeable slope steeper than 30 degrees this season and I will continue to apply discipline to the terrain I place myself in untill persistent weak layer heals or low dangdanger.
I went high for 9500' and up because i am guessing wind skabs easy to trigger and widespread (likely hoid) and the potential for them to drop down(hazard). Visibility was 1 mile- hard to see. Light snow and active transport whole time.
Etch a sketch tracks from yesterday.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High