Obs-Snow Profile: Grizzly Gulch 1/8/2011

Observer Name:

Anthony LeBaron

Region:

Salt Lake
Little Cottonwood Canyon
Grizzly Gulch

Observation Date:

01/08/2011

Location or Route:

Grizzly Gulch

Weather

Sky:

Obscured

Precipitation:

Light Snowfall

Wind Speed:

Calm

Weather Comments:

Foggy

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth:

New Snow Density:

Low

Snow Surface Conditions:

Faceted Loose

Snow Characteristic Comments:

Trace amounts of new snow on slope. Mostly stellar dendrites. Surface hoar still prominently visible, however.

Primary Concern

Primary Concern:

Persistent Slabs

Probability:

Considerable

Aspect:

North

Northeast

Elevation:

High

Mid

Trend:

More Dangerous

Primary Concern Comments:

Surface hoar will probably become a weak layer as snow falls tonight.

Secondary Concern

Secondary Concern:

Persistent Slabs

Probability:

Moderate

Secondary Concern Comments:

Although I broke my hand lens and did not observe near-surface faceting, the high temperature gradient near the surface of the snow makes it seem probable that facets have developed or will soon. DISCLAIMER: Crystal types noted in snow profile may not be entirely accurate, as I broke my hand lens. So I made the best guesses I could with my naked eye.

Elevation:

9800'

Aspect:

North

Slope Angle:

snow_profile_location:

United States

40° 35' 33.3996" N, 111° 36' 51.03" W

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 1)

A surface hoar crystal, approximately 6 mm, taken from the semi-treed area where I dug my pit.

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 2)

Larger surface hoar taken from nearby on a more open slope.

Observed Danger Rating:

Low

Forecast Danger Rating:

Considerable

Snow Profile Location

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