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Observation: Mineral Basin

Observation Date
4/7/2021
Observer Name
Zimmerman-Wall
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Snowbird periphery » Mineral Basin
Location Name or Route
Lower Mineral/Mary Ellen Gulch
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Wind backed off by 10am. At times it was almost calm on the mid elevation ridgelines. No observable snow transport, but evidence of previous along ridgelines, scalloping of snow surfaces on multiple aspects near ridge crest indicated swirling winds from terrain influence. April solar was in full force. With aspects warming within minutes of seeing the sun.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Spring storm settled to 6" in terrain visited. Right side up with no density inversions noted. Quick hand pits and shovel shears indicated good bond to old snow surface. Evidence of avalanches from previous warm and wet cycles over the weekend were still quite visible on many aspects, including north.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
The first big warm up directly after a decent storm, with swarms of roller balls on East facing slopes. No slab avalanches noted an any terrain visited or previewed.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Within minutes of the sun warming rocks on East and South aspects it was possible to see roller balls. Some as large as a bowling ball. Dragging a ski pole down slope, or intentionally pushing snow at your skis/board indicated a reactive Loose Wet problem on SE at 11am. Did not ski sustained solar terrain or slopes much greater than 30 degrees that showed signs of warming. On sustained steep pitches facing north, did see some propensity for entrainment of loose snow, but it did not run with much gusto.
Comments
Looking across at Y NOT buttress in Mary Ellen Gulch. Roller Balls mid frame.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates