Observation Date
1/8/2023
Observer Name
Jason Johnson
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Silver Fork » Mats Basin
Location Name or Route
Mats Basin
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Calm before the storm and wanted to see how the new snow was bonding and search for the PWL on a northernly wooded aspect. No red flags on a brief tour but noted several large trees down snapped at the ground and tops broken off lying around the forest like tooth picks. Several of these appeared to be 30 years old or greater.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Large avalanche around the corner in Silverfork naturally breaking on the PWL with increased storm load last week. Most activity appeared to be wind slab / soft slab in the new snow. PWL healing but still lurking as it gets progressively buried by these frequent storms.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,300'
Comments
Snowpit dug to the ground and HS of only 160-165 cm. Noted pronounced dirt layer and wind slab above it. Then 65 cm of new snow with 35 cm of fluff on top. Overall right side up and deep layers appear to be rounding.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates
