Observation: Lake Desolation

Observation Date

1/10/2026

Observer Name

Avy 2 crew

Region

Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Lake Desolation

Location Name or Route

Desolation Ridge

Red Flags

Poor Snowpack Structure

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Problem #1 Comments

-Surface hoar: Non-propagating break ECTN10, 30 cm below surface -(CERC) 10-15 cm thick Thick MF crust present, no reactivity on this layer

Snow Profile

Aspect

North

Elevation

9,600'

Comments

Snow pit dug on north side of Desolation ridge. 130 cm deep. No propagation, ECTN10 on surface hoar 30 cm below surface. ECTN24 70 cm down on graupel. Rounding facets at ground. Similar surface hoar found in other pits at 9800’ on SW shoulder of Desolation peak on NW aspect.

Coordinates

Observation: Lake Desolation

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