Observation: Butler Fork

Observation Date
2/18/2024
Observer Name
Michael B
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Butler Fork
Location Name or Route
Butler Fork — Circle Awl
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Normal Caution
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
The snowpack on Butler was fairly well behaved on my summit of Circle Awl. There was some collapsing of the deep snow snow (whoomph) in a few spots.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Although the drifts and small cornices aren't usually much of a problem on Circle Awl, the snowdrifts were starting to pile up (see pics)
Comments
I snowshoed to Circle Awl Peak using the winter route. The new snow was deep and essentially blower pow. There were a few backcountry skiers using the terrain but there was plenty of untracked powder.
WEATHER
Partly sunny
Var 10G20
Mid to upper 20's
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable