Observation Date
1/2/2024
Observer Name
Hardesty
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood/Millcreek
Location Name or Route
Big Cottonwood/Mill Creek
Comments
Outing along BCC and Mill Creek ridgeline and vicinity. Very easy to trigger size 1 to 1.5 facets sluffs in steep polar terrain. Weak surface snow found on west (even a touch southwest) to north to southeast facing slopes. 2-4mm SH abounds, even in exposed summits/ridgelines. Some southerly aspects have partially melted and then welded (frozen) surface hoar as part of the crust. Profiles in starting zones of avalanches from the early December cycle show roughly 40cm HS with exceptionally weak snow above the old old early season basal crusts.
Photos:
- All that glitters is not gold. Surface hoar on many aspects/elevations.
- Weak surface snow above crusts on easterly and westerly aspects.
- Grim structure leftover from the early December avalanche cycle. Snow depths there are 12-18" deep...and exceedingly weak. Primed as being a 'repeater' avalanche.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates