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Observation: Mineral Fork

Observation Date
1/29/2023
Observer Name
Brunhoeber
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mineral Fork
Location Name or Route
Mineral Fork
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
At our mid elevations in Mineral Fork well below the ridgeline, we did not see any evidence of wind slab. No evidence of active wind transport today in our location mid elevation near Highline.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Snow seemed right side up. We did not observe any evidence of storm slab. No issues with loose dry in our zone on slopes 30-38 degrees.
Comments
Snowy, overcast day with some significant fog and intermittent periods of heavy snowfall. Calm winds without any evidence of wind transport actively at mid-elevations.
We dug a snow pit NNW at 8600 feet near Highline. SH 210 cm. Overall weak over strong - possible slight density inversion around 140 cm of 4- over 4 +. CT 11 with non planar fracture near the new snow line ~30 cm from surface. ECTX.
Snow skied excellent. No obvious signs of instability during out tour today in our subdrainage. We did not witness any active avalanche activity, but visibility was significantly compromised due to fog. Cornices are quite large at the ridge line.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates