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Observation: Mary Ellen

Observation Date
2/28/2019
Observer Name
Nason
Region
Provo » American Fork » Mary Ellen Gulch
Location Name or Route
Mary Ellen Gulch
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Moderate winds gusting to strong throughout the day, tapering in the mid-late afternoon. Foot Penetration: 20cm. Ski Penetration 10cm. New snow from the morning and throughout the mid-day was available for transport. Obvious moderate snow transport taking place with orographics playing a role, making it difficult to track distribution. Mid-drainage sub ridges were wind effected on their tops showing signs of erosion leaving behind firm sastrugi, gullies were filling in. Wind slab formation observed near ridgelines and mid-slope.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Cornice
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Large cornices are in place, some are monstrously large. These are building and a real hazard. Observed debris from one cornice fall from 3/4 mile away in the Y-Not area, unsure of when it occurred. Presumed natural as there were no ski tracks observed in that area, cornice fall did not trigger any associated avalanche activity. Looked like a fairly large cornice from a distance.
Comments
Ski quality improved throughout the day with new medium density snow. Lack of visibility dictated handrailing vegetation and terrain. Wind was affecting the snow quality as soon as it fell, leaving sastrugi, contributing to wind slab and cornice formation and filling in sheltered areas and depressions in the terrain, the best skiing was found in low angle gullies and sheltered trees. Did observe wind loading taking place. Did not observe cracking/collapsing, rapid warming, heavy PI, or recent avalanches with the exception of the cornice fall at a great distance. Visibility came and went, but we never saw full sun. Wind was the star attraction of the day.
ECTP14 down 30cm on hardness change on NNE @ 10,100' in quick test pit. HS 240+ multiple hardness variences within upper 30cms.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates