UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Observation: Sheep Shit Ridge

Observation Date
12/29/2021
Observer Name
Cody Hughes
Region
Salt Lake » Mill Creek Canyon » Sheep Shit Ridge
Location Name or Route
Sheep S@!# Ridge
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Cold, calm, and overcast skies to begin the day. Light snow and winds picking up around 2 p.m. as the next wave of moisture moves in.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
4 star skiing.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The snowpack is talking to us less and less as the slab becomes thicker. It is difficult to get results in our stability tests, probably time to switch to the PST from the ECT. However, a mentor once told me tha structure ALWAYS trumps results. Strong over weak.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
What scares me is that we did not go through a large natural avalanche cycle during these recent string of storms. The danger is not so in your face with obvious signs of large catastrophic avalanches. The snowpack has been adjusting to the slow incremental loads. What that means is avalanche terrain on W-N-E above 8k is just barely hanging in balance, waiting for a trigger. It sure is enticing seeing the mountains so white, but we must remember to continue practicing patience under times like these. Avoidance is the only option. We now have that meter or more slab on top of the PWL which adds to continuity across a slope. If triggered, these avalanches will be very wide, deep, and have severe consequences.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates