Observation: East Kessler

Observation Date
12/12/2023
Observer Name
W. Shirey
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Cardiff Fork » East Kessler
Location Name or Route
Deep Pockets
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Warm and sunny
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
The clouds dissipated and the sun came out, the snow surface was taking on a lot of radiation. Some crusts were already developed if you tipped the compass ever so slightly to the south. Rocky southern terrain had a lot of loose wet activity. North and most of east aspects were still riding great. I also observed large feather facets developing low down in cardiff fork.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The PWL I found harbored small grain (1mm) facets that were four finger hard and had some rounded edges. The layer was only about 5cm thick as well. Looked promising from my perspective. We got a CT18 failure 35cm from the surface on a grapple layer and no fractures or propagation on ECT. HS was 125cm
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
10,000'
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates