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Observation Date
12/3/2012
Observer Name
lara kendall
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Grizzly Gulch, Silver Fork, Davenport
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Winds were calm and the clouds broke around 1pm for a warm bluebird afternoon. Temps remained chilly in shaded areas.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
I found new snow depths to vary from 2" to 9" (likely from wind transport). East and South facing had a hard 1"-1.5" thick wind slab/sun crust covered by 2-4 inches of new snow. Northerly slopes held a 6" 1F slab under the new snow which didnt seem reactive on its bed of facets. Stability tests at 10,000ft, 38 degrees, N facing, 94cm total snow depth yielded different results. Two out of three of 'my' hand pits (aka. poor girls armpit) failed on isolation in the facets near the ground. ECTX and CTN at the same location... I discussed this with one of the forecasters and he suggseted that my 'poor girls armpit' test may be too aggressive and hence could be flawed. Maybe I should stick to my SWAG manuel. Skiing on all aspects was fast and fun- dust on supportable crust/slab. Rocks are still a significant hazard especially on the south side.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Collapsing
Red Flags Comments
Surprisingly, I found conditions to be fairly stable today. I expected to see more signs of instability since Sunday's storm brought dense snow and significant wind. The only 'red flag' was found on the ridge (east aspect) appraoching Davenport hill where I felt a collapse. I suspect it was in the facets immediately under the stout wind crust.