Observation: Scotties Bowl

Observation Date
3/12/2013
Observer Name
Evelyn
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Scotties Bowl
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Weather Comments
Clouds came and went, gradually decreasing.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
1"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Anywhere from a 1/2 inch to even 2 inches of new snow, all dense mini grauple or heavily rimed. Northerly facing slopes still dry at 2 pm, down to about 9,000'.

Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Problem #1 Comments

Specifically wanted to see how the snow pack on northerly facing slopes was warming, looked from 7,600' to 10,000'. Dry and cool heading up late around 11:30. Surface damp on northerly aspects on the way down around 2 pm, but in general the rest of the snow pack . Today actually seemed fairly cool, and the slower warming combined with clouds and occasional breezes is to helping to ease the snow pack in to a warmer regime.

Forecast much warmer days, clearer skies and possibly nonfreezing nights could create more substantial wet snow issues toward the end of the week.

.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments

Still a few hard wind slabs up near the ridge lines, hiding beneath the new snow, and sitting on weaker facets. Seemed to have no energy where I was. Also the now-normal shallow snow pack areas scattered here and there where a ski pole goes in deeply into weak facets.