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Observation: Rocky Point

Observation Date
2/25/2022
Observer Name
Cal Giddings
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Rocky Point
Location Name or Route
Rocky Point
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
As Drew Hardesty said in his forecast on Wednesday the 23rd, "Nothing good comes with an East wind". Today we noticed wind drifts up to 18" on E and NE facing aspects in the Rocky Point area, though these drifts can be found on leeward terrain features around the compass at mid-upper elevations. Stomping on some SE facing wind drifts at 10,450', I observed 2-5 foot shooting cracks.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Problem #2 Comments
HST of 6-10" observed in the Catherines/Rocky Point areas.
Comments
Went for some cable assisted laps on Rocky Point today and was greeted with great riding conditions and absolutely frigid temps. From 1000-1200, skies remained broken, and winds were calm gusting to moderate on the ridge. intermittent signs of transport noted as Westerly winds deposited snow into the Rocky Point apron. Photo 1 shows shooting cracks observed in wind drifted snow on SE facing wind drifts at 10450'
Photo 2 was taken facing 188 degrees South on the Rocky Point ridgeline showing old cornices in the background from Westerly winds, and new wind erosion and sastrugi in the foreground from both Westerly AND Easterly winds. Loaded slopes are everywhere and I am scared.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates