Observation Date
3/21/2024
Observer Name
E-Hop
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill A
Location Name or Route
Mill A
Comments
I set out at 8:15am from Mill A to tour southerly mid elevation terrain, pretty much at the snowline in BCC. Skies were overcast as forecasted, but I was surprised to enter a cloud of light flurries almost immediately upon leaving the canyon road. This turned into light snowfall/flurries by 9am.
Coming into the tour I had been a bit worried that the snow wouldn't have refrozen overnight. However, aside from the rotted snow on the side of the road at 7000', the snow I experienced was solid. A bit too solid-- I barely left an imprint in the snow at any point.
Also, unlike upper elevation full sun terrain, almost the entire drainage was devoid of avalanche debris. I suppose it's partly due to the trees and hilliness of the mid-BCC terrain.
So all being said, it was easy skinning and a smooth but firm descent down southeast facing chutes. I ran out of snow twice and had to downclimb a couple moves. Lower Rock House is a snowless waterfall.
Photos:
1. Cloud cover preventing/delaying solar warming
2. Valentine's day balloon
3. Evergreen with missing branches from last years avalanche cycle around this time.
4. Stormy vibes and a gap in the snow.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates