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Observation: Grandview Peak

Observation Date
2/27/2018
Observer Name
Mark Staples and Michael Davis
Region
Session Mountains » Salt Lake » Grandview Peak
Location Name or Route
Bountiful north of Grandview
Weather
Sky
Few
Weather Comments
The sun came out while valleys were socked in with clouds. Also, very warm. The new snow settled a lot and was very warm. No wind today, but lots of wind and drifting previously.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
11"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Snow got a little wet on South aspects. Otherwise great creamy powder on North aspects.

Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments

Found a faceted layer in the middle of the snowpack just below the highest dust layer. Bo and Andy found this layer a little further north near Bountiful Peak/Farmington Canyon.

We dug in three places.

  1. 8800 feet NNW (ECTX)
  2. 9000 feet NNE (ECTX)
  3. 8150 feet ENE (ECTP14)

So the layer is out there. There have been two recent avalanches in the area that may have occurred on this layer. I dont think its a major issue or widespread, but avalanche activity is definite evidence. We spotted this large avalanche today.

Also, we spotted at least 3 cornices that broke naturally above steep slopes . They did not trigger any avalanches.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #2 Comments

Lots of prior wind drifting. 3 cornices broke naturally. However, wind slabs seemed to be healed with today’s warm weather.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
8,200'
Slope Angle
27°
Comments

Photo below of the pit at 8150 feet that is graphed above. ENE aspect. ECTP14

There is a thin faceted layer just under the top dust layer. I wasn't too gripped about this layer because it isn't everywhere.

Video

We dug on a NNW aspect at 8800 feet. The snow depth was 195 cm (6.4 ft) in a non wind loaded slope. ECTX - which means nothing broke and nothing propagated in my extended column test. Also, it looks like this area has gotten a lot of dust. Perhaps more than the Cottonwoods.

Photo of valley clouds

Lastly, we found this very small pocket that was sled triggered. Barely counts as an avalanche, but kept me from climbing up onto that face.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates