Observation: Bear Trap

Observation Date
2/21/2021
Observer Name
DCD & KMR
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Bear Trap
Location Name or Route
Bear Trap Aspens
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
PWL is still present, but starting to show signs of healing.
Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
9,100'
Comments
Was somewhat surprised to find that the facets at the base of the snowpack were starting to show signs of healing, with a pencil hard layer at the ground, fading to 4F at the top of the facet layer. The ~100cm above this layer was a cohesive and right-side-up snowpack and stability tests did not demonstrate reactivity at the interface of the facets and the slab above. I imagine this could still be a problem in areas with a thinner snowpack.
Skiing was great, though I expect that there will be a sun crust on anything facing South or West tomorrow.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates