Observation: Twin Lakes Pass

Observation Date
12/6/2023
Observer Name
Stauss
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Grizzly Gulch » Twin Lakes Pass
Location Name or Route
Twin Lakes Pass
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Comments
Just a quick weather and snow observation from today. Skies were mostly clear with calm a south wind gusting into the light category. I did see signs of much stronger south winds (maybe moderate to strong) transporting snow over the higher ridges of Patsy as well in the high alpine, like Baldy, Twin Peaks, etc. The skiing was surfy and fun on low angle slopes in the shade that didn't get crusted last night.
The main observation was widespread 3-5mm surface hoar on three different aspects: west, north, and east. It had formed on ridges and east facing slopes in the upper elevation around Twin Lakes Pass and Patsy, as well as low down in the benches by the summer road, and in places between. Hopefully it gets knocked down before the next storm comes in, but could be something worth keeping an eye on.
Of course, also noted the poor snow structure and widespread natural and human triggered avalanche cycle that have been well reported. Definitely will be managing terrain and keeping the slope angles under 30 degrees for the foreseeable future.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates