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Observation: Kessler Peak

Observation Date
2/4/2021
Observer Name
Rogers
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Kessler Peak
Location Name or Route
Patterson's
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Feeling like winter.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Coverage still super variable heading up the ridge, with obvious scouring having occurred throughout the last few recent storms. Right side up and supportable for the most part.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Snow Profile
Comments
Received report of a recent slide between Kessler Slabs and Patterson's. Went up to poke around and get a finger on the pulse of things near the Lawnmower. Saw the debris from reported slide, abt 9k ft NE facing, size 2. Crown was obscured by recent snow, good debris pile down low. Likely ran naturally with this weekends cycle but there was evidence of recent skier traffic in the area that could indicate a remote trigger. HS on upper Pattersons 150cm. ECTx and CT27 results on basal facets indicate a strengthening but stubborn snowpack with the perfect structure for a large avalanche. Couple of mid and upper pack instabilities noted but did not react with the energy that would make me nervous of triggering a step down situation. That said, the limited chance of finding a thin spot to trigger a grounder will keep me off these slopes for a bit longer. Some good turns found but coverage quickly deteriorated to such that all egress was difficult and choked with bush.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates