Observation: Guardsman Pass area

Observation Date
5/7/2023
Observer Name
ZSmith
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Guardsman Pass area
Location Name or Route
Guardsman Pass Area
Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
By 2pm snow at 8000 feet was very saturated. No wet loose slides observed but conditions were ripe.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Cornice
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
They're still there, hiding in plain sight. Picture below shows a break off from the SE slope above Guardsman's Pass.
Comments
Light to moderate snowfall mixed with graupel for most of the tour. New snow of about 3 inches was damp with about 2-3 inches of damp surface snow beneath it. Bonding was spotty likely due to the dirt on the surface. Skinned up to 10420 and skied NE Bowl and Promise Land. Skiing was enjoyable with the new snow providing some cushion and the damp surface snow gave way just enough to prevent chattery descents. Promise Land trees were good for about the first half of the descent and then became increasingly gloopy and grabby toward the exit to the road. The road snow was fully saturated and made for a slow return to the Guardsman's gate. All in all, a good day of spring turns. Photos show the dirty surface layer, cornices along the ridge and the break off from the cornice on the SE slope above the road by the pass.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low