Observation: Alexander Basin

Observation Date
1/16/2022
Observer Name
Travis M.
Region
Salt Lake » Mill Creek Canyon » Alexander Basin
Location Name or Route
Alexander Basin
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Rounding facets found at 30 cm from ground.
Comments
Dug a pit on our approach to A-Basin to help understand the state of healing of the persistent weak layer. The weather was warm, 30 deg F, with clear skies. The snow depth was about 140 cm and we performed an ETC. The persistent weak layer was found at 30 cm from the ground and had 1-2 mm size rounding facets. During the ETC we couldn't trigger the weak layer, and instead had a ECTN 25 and 28 in the new snow layers, 130 cm and 115 cm respectively. Despite the snowpack trending in the right direction, I was still surprised to see how unconsolidated that layer still was.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates