Observation: Grizzly Gulch

Observation Date

12/10/2012

Observer Name

Nielsen

Region

Salt Lake

Location Name or Route

grizzly gulch

Weather

Sky

Obscured

Precipitation

Moderate Snowfall

Wind Direction

Northwest

Wind Speed

Strong

Weather Comments

Strong wind gusts were blowing the light density snow out of the trees making for some interesting periods of visibility.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

New Snow Density

Medium

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Wind Crust

Snow Characteristics Comments

The wind has had its way with the fluffy snow from Saturday and Sunday, depending on aspect/exposure to the wind conditions varied from plywood to creamy and carveable with soft powder in sheltered areas.

Red Flags

Recent Avalanches

Heavy Snowfall

Wind Loading

Cracking

Red Flags Comments

East face of Patsy from twin lake pass to the summit was getting loaded fairly heavily. Shooting cracks off the ridge line when I approached the edge to take a peek.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Trend

Increasing Danger

Problem #1 Comments

The wind has plenty of soft fluffy snow to blow around into areas that have existing weak layers that could easily be overloaded.

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

New Snow

Trend

Same

Problem #2 Comments

Pit from Sunday in the same general location revieled some depth hoar but I couldn't get a extended column test to fail on that layer even after wailing on it.....however when I pulled on it from behind with my shovel it popped out with plenty of steam behind it . This could become a factor with enough weight from loading.

Observation: Grizzly Gulch

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