Observation: Willows

Observation Date
12/27/2024
Observer Name
Connor
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Willows
Location Name or Route
Willow Fork
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Strong winds were creating slabs at and above treeline. Substantial cracking while skinning, skiing felt like classic strong wind slab. Didn't dig down to look what it was on, just avoided all avalanche terrain.
Comments
Didn't dig a pit, but experienced heavy snowfall with substantial winds near the ridgeline. Multiple shooting cracks from my skis, but only a few larger than a foot. I noticed the wind was filling in the skin track in spots by the time we skied down. Still quite bare out there on south facing slopes. Hopefully better after this storm. Really variable snow depths, probably due to the strong winds. I avoided basically all northern aspects, so my danger rating is really just aimed at the south/west slopes I skied.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates