Observation: Reynolds Peak

Observation Date
5/13/2024
Observer Name
Michael Boman
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D North » Butler Fork » Reynolds Peak
Location Name or Route
Mill D North - Reynolds Peak
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Comments
I hiked with spikes and summited Reynolds. The trail was mostly melted out until where it intersects with the trail up from The Spruces. There was a couple feet or more of snow from there up to Dog Lake and of course Reynolds Peak.
Other than the usual monster cornices and a smallish slide off of east Reynolds, I saw no immediate avy concerns on the Reynolds Peak trail. The route was solid and I broke trail once above Dog Lake. That said, caution on all aspects is warranted especially on the ridge below Reynolds up to the Peak itself. Particularly below or around the usual large cornices.
I observed a number of glide avalanches on Broads, especially in the Diving Board and Blue Ice routes. That route has yet to run super large and will likely do so soon.
Raymond had a number of wet release or glide avalanches as well. There was a avalanche visible on Kessler and limited action on Gobblers.
I could also see what appeared to be several ski tracks on Tom's.
There were two thunderstorms that rolled through while I was hiking. Allot of lightning accompanied one I encountered about one mile in. Steady rain and some wet snow occurred the last mile before I hit the TH on my trip out after dark.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate