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Observation: West Willow

Observation Date
11/29/2024
Observer Name
Hardesty and Wilson
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Willows » West Willow
Location Name or Route
West Wilow
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Beautiful day in the mountains
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Solars and off aspects are sun affected with crusts present, detereorating during the day. Polars provide excellent skiing and riding where coverage allows.
Surface hoar noted at all elevations
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Only poor structure noted in our travels today. No cracking or collapsing noted.
Snow Profile
Elevation
9,400'
Comments
Travel was BCC, up the Willows, west across West Willow and down into Beartrap. Coverage is 12-28" and while thin, travel was fine. No avalanches, cracking or collapsing noted; although the structure remains poor. The lower 8-10" of the snowpack consists of weak faceted snow.
Seems as if there is a lack of a slab or load where we toured. Multiple tests in the mid and upper elevations yielded no results. Still, the PCMR avalanche teams that investigated this avalanche - at Scotts noted, "I was surprised by how soft the snow was in our crown/flank profile and lack of propagating pit results. Not really an "in your face" avalanche problem". Caution still recommended.
Photo of structure below with two layers of facets near the bottom of the snowpack.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates