Observation Date
12/8/2023
Observer Name
Staples
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Bear Trap
Location Name or Route
Bear Trap to PC Ridgeline
Weather
Weather Comments
Cold and snowy! Winds were incredibly light by 3pm which is a good thing b/c it was 11 degrees F
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
5 star riding condtions, pick your superlative.
About 8" of new snow today. Appeared to be 19" since yesterday..
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Not major red flags. 0.8-1.3 inches of water since yesterday. While winds did blow stronger the previous night, snow falling this afternoon was untouched by winds.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Soft slabs of new snow seemed to be gaining some cohesion through the day. There was likely plenty of wind drifted snow from earlier winds, but it was not obvious with light snow on top.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Old snow from November is still lurking near the ground. I'm not sure this storm added enough weight to wake up the PWL, but this is only the second loading event on that old snow. I think it has gained a lot of strength (ECTP's in the 20s), but I'm not ready to trust it just yet. It's only Dec 8th. It'll heal and I'm willing to wait.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,600'
Slope Angle
29°
Comments
Overall the situation looks good. Last weekend's storm really helped put a thick and dense blanket on the old November snow. It's on the road to recovery.
Found nearly identical layering on the other side of the PC ridgeline above Dutch Draw near "Hanky Panky". Total snow depth (HS) 140 cm or 4.6 ft.
ECTP2 in the new snow
ECTP24 in the old Nov snow failing under the mid Nov rain/heat crust.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates
