Observation: Emma Ridges

Observation Date

12/20/2025

Observer Name

Nick Burr

Region

Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Emma Ridges

Location Name or Route

Alta

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

New Snow

Trend

Decreasing Danger

Problem #1 Comments

Dry loose, New snow on top of graupel ran today. Very sluffy in certain zones.. exposing rocks in chokes, specifically on the left choke of two trees. Was Manageable, but not great.. This was on top of the windboard with a dust layer.

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Trend

Increasing Danger

Problem #2 Comments

Going to start pulling back terrain choice as PWL seems to be activating/ just not enough load yet to really see much, but heard some Whumpfing and talked to another party that had a few major collapses on their way up Silver Fork going to west bowl. The loading and big avalanche is going to be on the Menu.

Comments

Mainly wanted to comment on the dust layer that is in the snowpack. Crazy to have such dirty snow in December.. Wondering Happy solstice eve. See you tomorrow <3 . Best skiing of the Year today. Largely on SE aspects without rocks underneath. (Roulette with rocks now as they are largely covered, Emma's exit from WB was tough)

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Moderate

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Low

Observation: Emma Ridges

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