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Observation: Emigration Canyon

Observation Date
3/9/2022
Observer Name
John Mletschnig
Region
Salt Lake » Emigration Canyon
Location Name or Route
Emigration Canyon
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
I went to dig a pit to check out the new snow interface, as we were pretty low (8200') but on NE, 27,° HS 170cm and as soon as I stepped out of my uphill ski and stepped on the slope to dig the entire slope collapsed sending shooing cracks in all directions. The 75cm of new snow sat on top of a 15mm melt freeze crust and the collapse was on 2mm facets below the crust on a 1F to F hardness change. Concerning to say the least! Im thinking that the off aspects (East and WNW) are going to be really tricky too, in addition to Norths, in the coming days.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
The problem now is that low angle terrain doesn't really work travel for the time being (snow is too thick). AND 30° and greater is lethal. go somewhere other than W-N-E and use some extra caution on those off aspects where there are thin solar crusts too!
Hot guide tip: Ski the Souths while you can.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Problem #2 Comments
The snow is inverted and needs time.
Site of pit and slope collapse. 8200' NE 27°
some of the cracks post slope collapse
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates