Observation Date
3/4/2022
Observer Name
Ambler, Hardesty, Wilson
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill Creek Canyon » Mill A » Butler Fork » Gobblers
Location Name or Route
Gobblers
Weather
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Occasional gusts to moderate. Poor refreeze down low owing to the cloud cover overnight.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Damp powder, melt freeze crusts NW>S>E and unsupportable glop down low.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Poor structure, see below. We experienced no cracking or collapsing.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
It's there; impatiently awaiting this new snowfall. As we all know. We saw a 25 cm deep slab sitting on top of remarkably weak snow. The slab in this location seemed to be denser (4f+ to 1f) than in others and likely has been affected by the wind. These persistent grains were found on NE thru NW today.
9200 feet. 323 NW aspect. 29 degree slope. 12:30 PM. we got an ECTP 10 down 25 cm where the new slab meets the old faceted drought layer. 1st photo-
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
from the top of Gobbler's we saw what looked like heavier snowfall to the north and south but on this ridge line only a trace amount had been delivered by 2pm. This snow yielded quite slippery skinning conditions above the old crusts. By the time we reached the summit graupel had started to fall from the darkening clouds and, fearing a smiting from above, we decided to descend. Shortly after, there were the unmistakable distant rumblings of thunder. The graupel soon stopped with not much to show.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,200'
Comments
We also saw the debris from many small loose wet avalanches over the past few days as well as the soft slab reported from yellow jacket.
Below 7500ish feet the snow seemed to be thoroughly saturated and above this elevation there was a crust beginning to form. Riding conditions were variable. I had about 3 turns I was proud of.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates
