Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>The wind has moved the upper elevation, light density snow onto the lee aspects and created the potential for shallow slabs or sluff avalanches. I saw one minor skier triggered avalanche off of a steep, north facing, wind loaded line at about 10,250' which had a slight crown to it and then sluffed a bit after two people skied it (see attached photo). I also triggered a rib of snow that had funneled off of a steeper rock face down by the Lake Mary Chutes that broke about 12" deep by 30' wide, but didn't run very far or pack any punch. </p> <p> </p> <p>For the majority of the Central Wasatch, I think the avalanche danger is low, especially on mellower sub 38 degree slopes. On higher elevation slopes with more wind loading, I think the danger is moderate and will continue that way as long as it stays so cold. In the worst case scenarios, I think a determined skier could easily find a few wind loaded pockets in higher, open terrain (Red & White Baldy) where the danger is probably considerable, but that is not wide spread. </p> <p> </p> <p>Unlike a week or so ago, the danger seems likely for triggering small pockets, but the consequences will be fairly low, except if the person gets swept off of a cliff.</p>