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Observation: West Scotties

Observation Date
1/18/2025
Observer Name
Pavlantos, Alec Page, Kaitlyn, Michael, Kevin, Ben, Jordan
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » White Pine » West Scotties
Location Name or Route
West Scotties
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Observerved pre storm surface snow loose dry movement 1/17 and new snow on 1/18 sloughinng easily in both layers. By end of day 1/18 new storm snow began to present slab structure. New snow of 25cm observa by 230pm..
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Wind blown snow began to make wind slabs on North East aspect of Scottie's notch ridge line. Small skier initiated wind slabs initiated at about 8300'. Intentional ski cut pulled out 24" deep wind slab in same location.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,500'
Comments
Persistent Slab still present although ground temperature of 0 degrees Celsius observed up to 35cm in 145cm deep snow pack with facets very rounded and wet. No propagation found except PST failed on isolation on 20241208 layer. Likely failed due to rushed excavation. CTE on new snow 25cm down. CTM 40cm down below old surface fist hard snow. Deep tap test failed with medium results at 12th tap at 35cm from ground..
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates