TR:Gosh darnit, 2011-12 Wasatch snow conditions

Brad Davis · Joined: 03 Dec 2010 Posts: 78 Location: Cottonwood Canyons

4:37 a.m. Tuesday February 28, 2012
There are no immediate plans for road closures or avalanche control work in Lt. Cottonwood Canyon this morning. It is very likely however that the Hellgate-Superior section of the canyon road will close later this morning, and a good possibility that a mid-canyon closure and artillery control work will be necessary this afternoon. Due to that possibility there will be a Backcountry Access Closure beginning at 6:00 a.m. 2/28/12, for all areas north of the canyon road between Closure Gates B and D (Maybird through Superior). It is anticipated that all restrictions will be lifted by 3:p.m. today.

Thanks,

Brad

Brad Davis · Joined: 03 Dec 2010 Posts: 78 Location: Cottonwood Canyons

We are done with control work this morning and we don't foresee the need to do more today. The backcountry restrictions in effect until 3pm have been lifted.
We got naturals out of Little Pine, White Pine, White Pine Chutes 1,2 and 3. From control work we got additional avalanches out of Little Pine.
The pattern is looking active the rest of the week. Chances of additional closures are high. We will update you as quickly as we are able to do so.
We'll keep in touch.

Brad

Brad Davis · Joined: 03 Dec 2010 Posts: 78 Location: Cottonwood Canyons

Tue, Feb. 28th, 2012 - 3pm

UDOT has plans for control work in Little Cottonwood Canyon tommorrow morning (2/29/2012). A backcountry closure will be implemented tonight at midnight from Gate B through Grizzly Gulch until control work is finished tomorrow morning and the road is re-opened. Anticipated re-opening of the road is 830am.

Thanks for the help!

BD

BCPOWDR · Joined: 22 Dec 2004 Posts: 550 Location: Sandy, Utah

Skied LCC this evening, 9500' North and South Aspect. South aspect kicked off a sluff in new snow, slope a little over 34 degrees.
Best snow of the year for me!
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Back Country Powder ( BCPOWDR) aka Telefusion
What is known need not be discussed.

Brad Davis · Joined: 03 Dec 2010 Posts: 78 Location: Cottonwood Canyons

UDOT will be conducting avalanche control work in Little Cottonwood Canyon and Provo Canyon on March 1, 2012. A backcountry closure is in effect for terrain on the north side of the road in LCC from Gate B through Grizzly Gulch from 11:59 pm tonight (Feb 29) until 8:30 am on March 1. The road into LCC will close tonight at 8:30 pm. In Provo Canyon the avalanche control work will be in the Bridal Veil, Slide Canyon, and Lost Creek drainages from 9:30 am until 11:30 am. Please stay clear of these areas in Provo Canyon from 6:00 am until 11:30 am on March 1.
There is also the possibility of avalanche control work in Big Cottonwood Canyon on March 1. Please check the UDOT avalanche control work website www.udot.gov/avalanche tomorrow for BCC info.
Thanks,
Brad

risk.reduction · Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 3059 Location: Wasilla, Alaska

Hey, Brad,

Although I am certain many people would like to know the closures of the areas for avalanche mitigation work, Bob Athey has politely requested that you also share results from said avalanche mitigation work.

This is, after all, the Wasatch Snow Conditions thread. And it's not my zone, but I can sense the frustration from 4500 miles away.

I'm sure all those travelling in the backcountry would appreciate it as well.

$.02
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"Well, I sure don't know what I'm going for...but I'm gonna go for it, for sure."

Brad Davis · Joined: 03 Dec 2010 Posts: 78 Location: Cottonwood Canyons

Did you check out Tuesday's post?

Natural cycle last night, remote avalanche sensors going off last night 7:45 to 9.

Avalauncher work in BCC this afternoon: Rock House and Mineral Slab. Please stay clear of these areas between 1300 and 1330.

Thanks,

Brad.

Brad Davis · Joined: 03 Dec 2010 Posts: 78 Location: Cottonwood Canyons

From today: Biggest results were out of Limber Pine, a good class three new snow and a class 3 off of Superior ridge between the peak and Little Sup, a deeper smaller ~5' pocket. In BCC a class 2 in Rock House running short of the road. Provo cleaned up Slide Canyon and a half tracker in Lost Creek.

For tonight/ tomorrow:
Thursday March 1, 2012 UDOT will close the road in Lt. Cottonwood canyon at 2200. Backcountry Access Closure all areas north of LCC canyon road from midnight 3/1/12 to 8:30 a.m. 3/2/12. Restrictions/Closures expected to be lifted by 8:30 a.m. 3/2/12.
Maybe do some work in BCC if the forecast high-ends.

Thanks,

Brad

risk.reduction · Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 3059 Location: Wasilla, Alaska

Atta boy.
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"Well, I sure don't know what I'm going for...but I'm gonna go for it, for sure."

risk.reduction · Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 3059 Location: Wasilla, Alaska

Atta boy.
_________________
"Well, I sure don't know what I'm going for...but I'm gonna go for it, for sure."

Charlie H · Joined: 02 Feb 2005 Posts: 84 Location: Wasatch Range

Thanks for the avalanche updates Brad.

wow · Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 3:20 am Post subject:

Adding to the tally

50' wide, 12-14" deep, 800'vertical. Storm snow since Monday.

Dimensions unknown, don't like to see the low crowns. Both ene facing.

In addition found some very shallow crowns below 8k in gullies on the exit. Weren't packing much punch but, a heads up.
Skiing is quite good if the wind doesn't blow it away.
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