Observation: Porter Fork

Observation Date
11/20/2022
Observer Name
Donner, Kelly, Gagne
Region
Salt Lake » Mill Creek Canyon » Porter Fork
Location Name or Route
Porter Fork
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Beautiful clear skies and cold temperatures at the start. Skies stayed clear and solar aspects took a bit of heat in the afternoon warming.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Loud pow! The most most pronounced surface hoar deposition was mid elevation areas near the creek and meadows without tree cover. Higher elevation north facing terrain had a very weak faceted surface and good skiing
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Red Flags Comments
4" deep loose dry avalanches running on facets on steep north facing unskied terrain.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
We noted manageable loose dry avalanches on steep north facing slopes. These were more likely in steep unskied terrain and we were able to break out small loose dry avalanches in the faceted surface snow and put between 1.5 and 2' of loose dry snow into the bottoms of the gullies. This would not have been enough snow to bury an adult, and care should be taken above cliff bands and other places where losing your footing could run you over early season obstacles.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,400'
Slope Angle
32°
Video
Photo 1- Surface hoar and near surface facets
Photo 2- Surface hoar from an open meadow with open sky cover above
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates