Observation Date
12/28/2024
Observer Name
Gagne/Duvernay
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mill D North
Location Name or Route
Mill D North
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Light snowfall began to fill in around 1 pm, with dense graupel.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
16"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Low elevation snow is damp with warm temperatures. New snow since 12/26 is 40 cms (16") settled.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Lots of collapsing and cracking.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Still focusing on the PWL as that is our biggest problem. Lots of collapsing and cracking today, with loud whumphs. In non wind-loaded areas, I was getting full propagation in fewer than 10 taps with extended column tests, failing down in facets.
Comments
Video below shows how you can get a lot of information about the snowpack using a test slope and not exposing yourself to risk in avalanche terrain.
Video
With more snow on the way, southerly-facing slopes that held no PWL will become options for safer skiing. Lots of bushes still showing through even at the upper reaches of the mid-elevations.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High
Coordinates
