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Observation: Reynolds Peak

Observation Date
2/26/2024
Observer Name
Michael B
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D North » Butler Fork » Reynolds Peak
Location Name or Route
Reynolds Peak
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Rapid Warming
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Cornice
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Winds were transporting allot of snow on Reynolds and adding to the large cornice there. I stayed back as usual although the recent mild temps and refreeze seemed to have it locked in pretty well. The foot or so of new snow expected will ramp up the avalanche risk.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
As I noted previously, the new snow and winds in the 50's and 60's will load the cornices and steep areas on Reynolds significantly.
Comments
I snowshoed to Reynolds Peak and found punishing winds averaging 25 with gusts into the 50's for sure. There was intermittent snow falling sometimes heavily.
There was a light to moderate amount of ski tracks on Reynolds proper. Some of the routes chosen looked to be a bit bold. However, I saw no cracking or any collapsing during my entire day starting at Mill D North.
Snow conditions ranged from sun crusted to nice powder in the pines and northerly facing slopes.
Weather
Near freezing
light snow showers (graupel)
Southerly 25 G55
Pictires on top show a lot of snow blowing for sure.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates