Observation: Short Swing

Observation Date
3/9/2023
Observer Name
Jimmy G
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D North » Short Swing
Location Name or Route
Short Swing
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Rapid Warming
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Steady wind loading on N-NE-E facing slopes (Photo 1)
Comments
Travel was up Short Swing at around 9 AM.
A beautiful morning with high visibility--great for looking around and seeing what we're dealing with heading into this weekend's storm. (Video)
Save for steady wind loading on N-NE-E facing slopes, no obvious red flags noted on Short Swing nor the surrounding areas.
Could faintly make out what looks like a small point release on the SE slope of Gobblers-Wilson. Other than that, no avalanches of any kind observed, despite plentiful tracks on Kessler, Reynolds, etc.
Felt properly mid-March back at the trailhead at 11 AM. With warm ambient temperatures and strong sun, I suspect east and south facing slopes will saturate a bit before the storm rolls in later today.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates