Observation: Mineral Fork

Observation Date

1/6/2026

Observer Name

Sean & Tizzy

Region

Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mineral Fork

Location Name or Route

Mid East Facing

Red Flags

Wind Loading

Poor Snowpack Structure

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Trend

Same

Problem #1 Comments

The CERC is incredibly thin in this zone (1-2cm), but the mid-December melt freeze crust is also very thin (2cm). Both of the crusts appear to be deteriorating; a deep boot pen punctures both crusts almost unknowingly. Surface snow has started the faceting process overnight. The depth hoar is present on the bottom 20cm of snowpack; still bouncy but fairly moist and moldable.

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

Wind Drifted Snow

Trend

Increasing Danger

Problem #2 Comments

In our location, there was no evidence of wind drifted or wind affected snow. The upper ridgelines on the westside of Mineral Fork and along Cottonwood Ridge presented strong windblown snow from the southwest; loading N/NE/E aspects (photo 1)

Comments

Walked up Mineral fork alongside the surface hoar creeks/depressions. Supportable snow started at 7400ft, which was good enough to ride out on. We decided to dig a pit on a NE aspect, HS98 @9k. Our results were ECTN24 20cm^ on moist depth hoar (see video). Unlike my pits in upper LCC, there was not much preserved graupel in this pit. We also observed a previous glide avalanche on Bonkers that seemed to occur during peak intensity of this last storm (photo 2). Also, a potentially new glide crack opening above the lower glide avalanche but it’s hard to tell with my phone zoom in flat light (photo 2).

Video

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Moderate

Coordinates

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