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Observation: Powder Park

Observation Date
12/4/2023
Observer Name
Nate L
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D North » Powder Park
Location Name or Route
Powder Park 3
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Took a look at a couple W aspects around 8000', no facets in pits. The northerly aspect at the bottom of PP3, around 8700', does have facets at the bottom. I couldn't get propagation on them, likely because the slab is still quite soft.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Large roller balls in the W facing gully skinning up to powder park. Most aspects appeared to take a lot of heat; I suspect some greenhousing was in play with the gradually clearing clouds. W facing and snow below 8600' got quite wet.
Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
8,000'
Slope Angle
Unknown
Comments
Warm day- snow was very crusty below 8600' during my exit around 5pm. Northerly aspect about 8700' were decent, but still had a slight zipper crust.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable