Observation: Mineral Fork

Observation Date
1/9/2026
Observer Name
Torrey & Breen
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Mineral Fork
Location Name or Route
Mineral Fork
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southeast
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Cold temperatures. Some east winds observed drifting snow high in the drainage and near Cardiac Ridge early in the morning, otherwise light ridgetop winds.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
10"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Very little wind effect, right-side up. Not too deep for lower-angle slopes. Wests took on a little heat and may have a zipper crust tomorrow.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
  • Shallow soft slabs 6-8 inches deep and 20 feet wide. Failed on small grain near surface facets above a thin crust (potential rime crust from 1/7)
  • Loose, dry avalanches on steep slopes; relatively slow-moving. Enough to keep you honest and avoid features where consequences are higher.
  • Surface Hoar layer found a little more than 10 inches below the surface.

A small cornice triggered a new snow avalanche 6 inches by 20 feet wide.

Loose dry avalanche that ran down and triggered a shallow soft slab. D1. Likely ran yesterday,

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

We targeted the CERC on mid-elevation west, east, and north-facing slopes. Both the north and east had snow depths of roughly 150 cm at 8500-9000 feet, and the CERC was 40 cm above the ground, and 2.5-3.5 inches thick. The layer of facets below was 1-Finger hard and unreactive in snowpack tests. On a west-facing slope around 8200', the snowpack was much shallower, roughly 90cm, and the CERC crust/ facet combination was notably thinner and weaker snow below the crust.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,000'
Slope Angle
20°
Comments

Intact Surface Hoar found in the pit wall 25cm below the surface.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates