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Observation: Days Fork

Observation Date
12/18/2021
Observer Name
Staples
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Days Fork
Location Name or Route
Days Fork
Weather
Weather Comments
Cold morning, crystal clear skies, and warm sunshine
Snow Characteristics
Snow Characteristics Comments
Nearly perfect powder; however, it became suprisingly wet on south facing slopes
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Cracking
Collapsing
Red Flags Comments
LARGE, DEADLY AVALANCHES Widespread collapsing and cracking - however, you won't experience it if you don't get off the skin track. EVERY meadow we walked into produced a large collapse. The signs of unstable conditions are there if you look for them.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
We found the PWL as low as 8000 feet where it produced a large collapse. See snow profile and picture from a pit we dug right along the trail/skintrack under the Lucky Days slide path.
In a month or so this problem could heal, but we need to be prepared to live with it for a little while. The Wasatch can get snowfall that buries and heals layers like this, but we have to wait and see what happens. Until then, I worry that someone is going to die or get seriously hurt.
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
8,000'
Slope Angle
22°
Comments
Snow profile above is of the snowpit in the photo below.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates