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Observation: Stairs Gulch

Observation Date
3/16/2014
Observer Name
Tren Meisenheimer
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Stairs Gulch
Location Name or Route
Stairs
Weather
Sky
Clear
Weather Comments
High thin clouds kept the heat at bay.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
There was some wind slabs alond the exposed ridges. However, they were very stubborn and stiff.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Normal Caution

Comments

We actually didn't drop into Stairs but here is a nice overview of the drainage. Stairs doesn't look like its going to happen this year, looks pretty sad in there. I am sure one could pick and scratch their way down. However, there wasn't an easy looking path down. Lots of rocks.

No wet activity noted in Stairs. Although I am sure there are glide avalanches waiting to happen..

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None