Observation: Alta Ski Area

Observation Date
10/24/2021
Observer Name
TW
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Alta Ski Area
Location Name or Route
Alta - Collins Gulch
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Rapid Warming
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Problem #1 Comments
About 4 inches of new snow from the storm overnight, snow surface was starting to melt towards the end of the tour. Didn't see any rollers when we were out, but warming was happening pretty fast.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #2 Comments
Found some lighter wind drifts on N to E aspects.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,700'
Comments
Went out to do some beacon drills and pit practice. Snow pack is still shallow at 60 cm where we dug our pit, but seemed relatively stable. We were still dodging rocks on the way down. We got a CT2 within the new snow from Saturday, and a CT22 in a layer we didnt even see until the test. The deepest layer (0-30cm) was very dense. With the snowpack as shallow as it is, seems like a great time to brush up on rescue skills before the season really starts to ramp up.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates