Observation: Silver Fork

Observation Date
11/20/2023
Observer Name
Zack Little
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Silver Fork
Location Name or Route
Silver Fork
Red Flags
Red Flags
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,900'
Slope Angle
28°
Comments
I toured from grizzly gulch to Flagstaff along the ridge-line this morning and found relatively undisturbed light-density snow from the recent storm. On the south-facing aspects, this storm snow lies on the ground, however on shaded aspects along the ridge-line, around 9900', there is older snow that has held on through the rain and warm temps. I dug a quick pit(image included) on a north-facing aspect at 9970' in which I found 30cm of new storm snow, varying hardness, lying above a series of crusts and facet layers which are anywhere from 30-40cm below the surface. ECT failed on isolation below the rain crust on a layer of facets. I later heard two collapses on a similar aspect and elevation. This will be one to watch as the snowpack becomes more connected and the slab thickens.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates