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Observation: Emma Ridges

Observation Date
2/21/2021
Observer Name
Sean Berry
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Emma Ridges
Location Name or Route
Emma's
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
6-8" of new snow was present in the snowpack today. With this and warming throughout the day this layer has the possibility of producing slides of varying magnitude.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
The ever present persistant layer at the base of the snow pack. Now that the snowpack in 205 cm at the location where the pit was dug if this layer is triggered it will produce an avalanche of epic proportions. There is evidence this is starting to heal as a 1" layer of ice now separates the upper snowpack from this layer but the base is still deeply faceted so its not there yet.
Snow Profile
Aspect
South
Elevation
10,100'
Comments
Lightly Snowing and Overcast. Total Snowpack depth was 205 cm. Performed an ECT with no propagation and went to CT30. Had to lever against the snowpack with my shovel in order to get it to break. It seperated on an ice layer about 135 cm deep. Faceted layer is starting to strengthen with the additional of a consolidated ice layer right above it about 1" thick.
Note: We were unable to fully seperate the bottom of the snowpack with the cord we used due to an ice layer. System was not fully isolated which could have lead to the faceted layer not failing when it should have.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates