Observation: Grizzly Gulch

Observation Date
12/19/2020
Observer Name
Joey Manship
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Grizzly Gulch
Location Name or Route
Grizzly Gulch
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Weak faceted snow is located below the new snow. It has been consistently propagating in stability tests as well as producing avalanches.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
With strong NW wind loading was happening on many slopes.
Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
9,500'
Comments
Dug a pit next to an avalanche flank from yesterday. Noted the snow failing on the same weak facets below the snow. Like others, in this location there where two facets crusts, most avalanches have been failing on the top crust. I noted in a CT though that the lower crust broke. Going foward with more snow we could see avalanches breaking down to near the ground.
It was chilling and windy in the mountains with broken sky and moderate winds. Good snow was to be found in the right locations.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates