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Observation Date
11/10/2012
Observer Name
Greg Gagne
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Grizzly Gulch - Davenport Hill
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Heavy snowfall (S2+) when we arrived at Collins Gulch at 0730. Snowed on/off until we left at 1130. Wind would occasionally gust into the Moderate category, however we were not finding any widespread wind deposited snow < 10,500'
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2'
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
As with other reports, snow is right-side up with heavy, dense snow down near the ground and very light-density snow on top. High PI rates in the early morning with some cracking in the new snow observed.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Red Flags Comments
Heavy snowfall with over 60 cm (24") in 24 hours.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Was finding new snow to be sensitive and we ski cut a steep rollover on a SW aspect at ~10,300' and got a 30-45 cm (12-18") thick, 3 meters (10') wide soft slab to release and run approximately 15 meters (~50'). Overall was finding possible density inversion approximately 30 cms (1') down to be the most sensitive layer. Would expect new snow instabilities to settle out rather quickly, however looking at the 1400 cottonwood canyons forecast and noticed about another 30 cm (1') overnight so new snow instabilities will likely linger.
Comments
First tour of the season! Alta wisely closed the resort to uphill traffic as we noticed very heavy snowfall when we arrived at Collins Gulch at 0730. Was finding 60+ cms (2'+) that clearly reminded leg muscles what real trail breaking was like. Lots of quick pits and found very little old snow remaining, but was finding 10-15 cms (4-6") of dense snow/graupel down near the ground. Storm snow was well bonded in the dense snow down near the ground but was finding sensitivities in the top 30-45 cms (12-18"). Was hitting lots of rocks/stumps/etc. and these remain hazardous. With activity in the new snow, even a small slide could mean serious traumatic injury. From what I observed, I would call the hazard Considerable in upper elevations, especially in areas that receive more snow. Best wishes to everyone as we are all hopeful for a classic Wasatch winter.