Observation: Grizzly Gulch

Observation Date
3/17/2013
Observer Name
Greg Gagne
Region
Salt Lake
Location Name or Route
Grizzly Gulch
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Some periods of S-1 snowfall, with mostly graupel falling. -8 C at 1100. Sustained moderate winds out of NW/W, with periods of very strong gusts.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
1"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Hard to determine new snow depths given how strong the wind was. For the most part the snow surface is a solidly-frozen snapshot of what it looked like during the recent warm-up.

Comments

Was hoping the new snow would have been enough to make for fun riding on whatever smooth surfaces were available, but the strong winds changed that thinking. Even though the winds were strong (first photo) even at 9000', there was so little loose snow available for transport there were no widespread wind deposits. The best I could manage were some fresh cornices along Twin Lakes Pass ridgeline that were somewhat sensitive to kicking (second photo.) They were shallow (at most up to 20 cms/8") and only existed as small pockets.

The old snow surface was frozen solidly with a stout 4-8 cm (2-3") crust. Combined with cold/cloudy/windy conditions, this put the lid on any wet activity. Digging underneath this crust I am still finding dry snow on northerly aspects above 9000', and somewhat damp snow on solar aspects.

Overall hazard was Low today with the only risk today being getting caught in a small wind slab on a steep easterly aspect and going for a fast ride on the frozen surface.

Video