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Observation: Reynolds Pk

Observation Date
12/22/2022
Observer Name
Meisenheimer, Manship, Kelly
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Reynolds Pk
Location Name or Route
Reynolds
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Winds were SW 16G22 from Reynold's weather station. Lots of signs of snow moving around throughout Big Cottonwood Canyon. Approaching Reynold's from Mill D was more wind protected.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Wind affected snow. Good skiing to be found on lower elevations in wind protected areas. We stuck to ridge travel and lower angle slopes.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Strong gale force westerly wind run at higher elevations scoured some slopes and loaded others. Below tree line was more wind protected although a dirt layer was found 8-10" below the snow surface. At lower elevations below 8000' a .5-1cm crust was present under the new snow approximately 6-8" from the surface.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
We continue to find a persistent weak layer buried within the snowpack. In this area it was approximately 2' from the ground level with approximately 30" of snow above the weak layer. Both the thickness of the weak layer and the amount of snow above it vary depending on where you are in the range both in elevation and aspect. Test results in this location show this layer is not as reactive as it has been.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,000'
Slope Angle
25°
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates