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Observation: Twin Lakes Pass

Observation Date
12/13/2023
Observer Name
SH
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Twin Lakes Pass
Location Name or Route
Twin Lakes Pass, Heavens Gate
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Buried deeply, but was able to get a non-standard ECTP40 Q1 SP, with an an extra ten taps from the shoulder. Assuming a Deep Tap or PST may give more info. (Photo 1 for PWL facets)
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Very gusty 10k and above, sometimes hitting ~50mph. Obvious wind transport of snow.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,900'
Comments
Very windy day, wanted to go higher but was forced down lower. People seem to be testing northern aspects, but with the extra weight of windloading, I thought two avy problems were too much.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates