Snowpack

Observation: 10420

Cody HughesSalt Lake
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Quick report

Aspect
Southwest
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches, Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading, Cracking, Collapsing, Poor Snowpack Structure
Elevation
2957 m
Slope Angle
30°

please note: My pit was at 9700ft and on a SW aspect. IT WAS SKETCHY. It was OUT of the wind zone and I was still getting full propagation across my column (ECT). There was 40cm worth of facets to the ground. This persistent weak layer isn't gong anywhere soon. As a matter of fact, the slopes that DO NOT natural during this cycle will present an avalanche DEEP slide issue in the days pursuing this storm. DO NOT PULL THIS TAIL. THE KEY IS TO AVOID THESE SLOPES ALL TOGETHER.

RESULTS: CT 11 Q2 CT 14 Q2 ECT 12 Q2

CT 14 Q2 CT 11 Q2 ECTP 12 Q2

Snowpack

Instability Comment
<p>The Basal Facets at the ground have been waiting for the load to become active. If we get the forecasted wind and water, which looks very likely, then all slopes above 35 degrees especially the ones facing the north half of the compass are going to come unglued. One of biggest concerns is how connected the slab becomes over the next few days. Basin bottoms are filled with facets and triggering an avalanche above you just by walking in the basins is possible. Best to avoid the backcountry for the next few days.</p> <p>A storm slab right now will be the first thing initiated. That will that step down to the facets on the ground, creating a more large and dangerous/unmanageable avalanche </p>

The 16" of snow that fell overnight in upper BCC was light density snow and really good for skiing on the mellow sheltered terrain. When the wind speed increased and the heavy snow began to fall late morning it quickly turned upside down.