Manteau neigeux

Observation: Main Porter

GagneSalt Lake
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Quick report

Was unable to take a look at the avalanche from Sunday in Mill B (observation) but tried to look at similar aspects on Big Cottonwood side of Main Porter. Dug several pits on aspects facing SW through SE between 9-9500' and all stability tests were ECTN. In some instances, I could find a thin crust that likely formed this past Wednesday/Thursday underneath Friday's storm snow, but unable to get any clean shears.

Digging down 60-90 cms to crusts that formed right before the New Year and any weaknesses at this facet/crust layer have also healed.

Overall Low hazard up to 9500 on all aspects.

Did find some facets a few mm thick at the surface. These are on top of a sun/temperature crust that formed on Sunday - likely due to radiation recrystallization (RR) - on solar aspects. This weakness should deteriorate with continued warmth, clouds, and winds. (RR may have been the weak layer from Sunday's Mill B avalanche.)

Snowpack

Clouds and warmth have helped destroy any weak snow at the surface. Storm and wind-driven snow expected early this week should bond to the existing snow surface.