Observation: Empire Pass

Observation Date
1/18/2024
Observer Name
Antenucci, AIARE L1 FS
Region
Salt Lake » Park City Ridgeline » Empire Pass
Location Name or Route
Empire Pass
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Poor structure still exists on all aspects we dug on (SE, SW, E, N, and NE). In 3 out of 5 pits dug we got ECTP or ECTV results. On our SW aspect poor structure still exists but we didn't get a result on the PWL. On our E facing aspect, the area harbored a big wind drift and the Extended Column wasn't isolated down below the PWL, and didn't produce propagation above.
I would expect the PWL to begin to gain strength and adjust to the new weight added by the previous two storms. That being said, this layer is still very prominent, weak, and newly loaded.. it will take time to start to gain strength.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Where we were, the snowpack seems to be adjusting well to storm snow that fell in the last two days. Multiple ECTN results within our new snow/old snow interface as well as one ECTP6 within the storm snow where a layer of gruapel had pooled.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Southeast
Elevation
8,900'
Comments
On this SE aspect, I got a test result of ECTP28 that failed at the ground. It will take time for this layer to heal. As the snowpack adjusts to the new wieght and the PWL becomes harder to initiate propagation in, the consequence remains high. I would expect other surface instabilities, such as wind slabs, to have the potential to step down into the PWL.
Today our class dug 5 pits, the other 4 pits and results are posted seperately.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates