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Observation: Catherine's Pass

Observation Date
4/20/2023
Observer Name
Jen S
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Catherine's Pass
Location Name or Route
Catherine's Pass, Alta periphery
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
The new snow today was not bonding well to the old snow. There was between 3 and 6 inches of new, cold snow on top of a mostly frozen layer. Even on the skin track the new snow was sliding off.
When the snow stopped I observed numerous small slides---some were wide crowns and others were point releases from rocks or trees. All of them were on steeps (well above 30 degrees).
The snow was also very active with shooting cracks reminding me to take it easy today.
I would expect the activity in the new snow to settle down, but the interface seems suspect.
Comments
It was cold and windy up high today and there were obvious drifts. If we get more significant snow before this layer has time to bond, those drifts could become hidden.
Photo is from Catherine's Pass looking at Sunset Peak.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates