Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Noted a D2 slab in Black Canyon of unknown timing (see avalanche report: https://utahavalanchecenter.org/avalanche/60025 ) east facing ca 7800ft. Also noted slightly larger than expected point releases near the rocks of Willard Peak and Chilly Peak. The Cutler headwall featured a few small slab releases, likely due to cornice failure onto pocket wind slabs.</p>
Northwest winds as evidenced by the plume off the summit of Ben Lomond.
Northerly winds overnight have placed the wind effects in unusual locations, "backwards" compared to the typical pattern. The long arrow indicates wind direction over the Birthday Bowls and the small arrow denotes the beginning of cornice formation along the ridgeline.
Wind scouring in the Backyard above the uptrack. Yesterday the twin tracks were slashed into the powder. This morning they were upraised atop the scoured snow surface. The shine at the top of the slope is bare ice.
Snowpack
Overnight winds really worked over the snowpack, even at low elevations. Snow surface had little sheltered true powder remaining, though there was decent riding in the denser wind affected powder. Many turns were creamy and fast. Otherwise a mixed bag of wind crust, some sun affects dampening things up, bare ice in scoured zones. I'm sure there's still snow available for transport and some good riding to be had tomorrow, but a savvy traveler might have to look a bit harder to find it.