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Observation: Alexander Basin

Observation Date
4/8/2022
Observer Name
Meisenheimer / Tremper
Region
Salt Lake » Mill Creek Canyon » Alexander Basin
Location Name or Route
Butler Fork to Alexander Basin
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Hot
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
On the climb to Alexander Basin, we had damp to wet snow for our ascent from the car (7,000') to the 10,000-foot saddle between Butler Fork and Alexander Basin. The snow did stay supportable through about 2:00 pm on the southerly facing terrain in Butler Basin. We descended a north-facing run at 10,000 feet in elevation, and the snow surface was damp but supportable from the ridge to the car once again.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Comments
I was able to find dry cold snow in Alexander basin on a northerly facing slope at 9,000'. The top foot of snow is a mix of crusts and graupel snow (more layered than I wanted to see). Underneath that, the snow gets stronger and stronger to the ground. I was able to see the Jan/Feb weak layer, but it had gained significant strength, and I wasn't worried about it.
Image 1: South-facing terrain is taking a beating and is barely holding a snowpack.
Images 3&4: Wet slabs from the last warm-up.
We were able to find some dry-ish snow, and it's not every day you get to see Bruce Tremper ride some avalanche terrain.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates