Observation: Salt Lake Twins

Observation Date

4/6/2025

Observer Name

Champion

Region

Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Broads Fork » Salt Lake Twins

Location Name or Route

Upper Broads Fork - Twins

Weather

Sky

Clear

Wind Direction

Northwest

Wind Speed

Light

Weather Comments

Bluebird day out there—sunny skies all around. Light northwest winds were blowing along the high ridges, with temps in the mid-20s °F on the peaks. At trailheads, it was quite a bit warmer—ranging from the high 30s to mid-40s. The clear skies and breeze helped keep the snow surface cool up high, especially on shaded and wind-exposed slopes.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Wind Crust

Melt-Freeze Crust

Damp

Snow Characteristics Comments

Lots of variety in the snow surface out there today—it really depended on time, aspect, and elevation. Above 8,000 feet on north to northeast-facing slopes, we found soft, faceted snow that made for fast, fun turns—so long as you stayed in that mid-to-upper elevation band with a northerly tilt. Up along the ridgelines, there was some light wind texturing, but no obvious signs of transport.

Below 8,000 feet, all aspects (even north) had a supportable crust in the morning. By the time we were heading down, those same slopes were damp. South and west-facing terrain was a mix of refrozen junk, while northwest aspects were coated in a more shallow breakable crust.

The light northwest wind helped keep the snow surface cool into the late morning and early afternoon, which worked in our favor on the more northerly slopes. But anything that had refrozen or avalanched previously was just a frozen mess of rollerballs.

That being said, there is good riding to be had. I think the compass is just going to continue to shrink with every day of warm temepratures and clear skies. Get out early, and get up high.

Red Flags

Rapid Warming

Red Flags Comments

The snowpack seems to be handling the warm up generally well, but there are warm temperatures on the horizon.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Wet Snow

Trend

Same

Problem #1 Comments

The main issue right now is wet snow. We didn’t see any new wet loose activity between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., but there were plenty of signs from yesterday’s action. The wind did a good job keeping many slopes cool through the morning. That said, by the time we were heading out, the snow surface was becoming noticeably damp.

I think the danger will stay about the same tomorrow but will start to rise as we go a few nights without solid refreezes.

With these warm temperatures, timing will be key. Also worth keeping an eye out for cornices breaking loose and generally slick, slide-for-life conditions.

Comments

One quick note—there was a bootpack and a bunch of postholes right up the skin track to at least 9,600 feet. Just a reminder to use good travel etiquette, and if you’re heading into the backcountry without skis or a snowboard, remember that avalanches can still happen.

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Low

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

None

Coordinates

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