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Observation: Guardsman Pass area

Observation Date
12/28/2023
Observer Name
Hardesty and Wilson
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Guardsman Pass area
Location Name or Route
Bonanza!
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Warm and calm.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Weakening snow surfaces on polars; damp>crusted on solars. Easy travel; still good riding conditions in "square powder". (Squares refer to the surface facets with diurnal recrystallization). Still soft and turn-able.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
No red flags.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,700'
Comments
Two pits dug in similar areas. Able to elicit one ECT with full propagation down 35cm or so on rounding facets. Surprised, then could not duplicate the results.
Tilt test revealed a shear in facets 10-15cm down.
Any avalanche danger will be in lockstep with any wind events or with further weakening of the snow surfaces (facet sluffs). Or glide avalanches.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates