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Observation: Soldier Peak

Observation Date
12/28/2024
Observer Name
Kapacinskas & Conigliaro
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Soldier Peak
Location Name or Route
Soldier Peak
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Lots of localized cracking paired with big booming collapses. In areas with heavy wind transport where the slab was stiffer we got big booming collapses on 2nd and 3rd times up the skin track.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
PWL. Its evident in almost everywhere we traveled today on E, N & W at mid elevations. In areas along the the ridgeline where the wind slab was stiffer it took a 2nd or 3rd time up the skin track to get a collapse.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #2 Comments
Winds were strong out of the SW even at mid elevation ridgelines. Snow was transporting far across slope and down Millcreek canyon and would expect loading on all aspects because of this.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High
Coordinates