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Observation: Broads Fork

Observation Date
2/1/2023
Observer Name
R. Kosinski, T. Giarratano
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Broads Fork
Location Name or Route
Twin Peaks (Broads)
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
When poking into S aspects on the booter to the Twin Peaks summit, it was clear that there was a M/F crust under the new snow. We didn't stop to examine whether facets were present around this layer but I trust the many professional observers and it was clear that this M/F crust is uniform and widespread.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Wind slabs are certainly present in the high elevations. It appeared that these pockets were small, isolated, and identifiable.
Comments
Started our tour at around 0900 under cold and clear skies. Upon reaching the saddle at 1200, there were light to moderate Northerly winds resulting in little snow transport. Throughout the day it remained cold in the shade and warm in the sun with sunny aspects having damp to moist snow by 1300 and shady aspects remaining cold and dry with ample surface hoar. All around great avy and riding conditions.
Its odd seeing the south half of the rose yellow and the north green but that's what warm, clear days will do to the snowpack. Generally safe riding conditions on the shady aspects; new snow has a very settled feeling with isolated wind pockets. As many of us venture into steep and extreme terrain during these Low danger days, its important to realize that even a very small avalanche in terrain with rocks and cliffs can be deadly.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates