Observation: Patsy Marly

Observation Date
11/27/2014
Observer Name
Evelyn
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Grizzly Gulch » Patsy Marly
Location Name or Route
Grizzly Gulch to Patsy Marly
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
A rather grey day, with flat light. Warm, with occassional light winds.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Not a lot of powder left - upper elevation, northerly facing slopes had a wind sculpted, dense surface snow. Sunny slopes were mostly supportable frozen crusts that weren't softening today due to no sun. Low angle, wind sheltered slopes had the softest surface snow.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Also recent wind loading, though not occuring at the moment. Flipping your ski poe upside down and pushing it handle first into the snow was an easy way to feel some of the snowpack layers, especially the weak facets near the ground. Easy to do 40 quick tests this way.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments

Persistent weak layer with a slab on top.

Comments

Some perspective photos of yesterday's Patsy Marley slide. I have to ask my self "how many times have I skinned or skied across that exact spot?" and the snow was stable, and the turns good. But seeing slopes after they've slid is such a good reminder that the snow isn't always stable, and they are certainly avalanche terrain. For crown profile info, check out Greg Gagne's observation from yesterday HERE.

Old slides are filling in fast - it was already hard to discern the Twin Lakes slides from just last Sunday, just 5 days ago. Could be ready to repeat.

There are SO many slopes that haven't slid yet this season, or at least haven't repeated since the slide cycle on November 15th. I think many could be triggered by a person.

Bottom line - all those steep northwest through north through easterly facing slopes are still totally suspect and should be avoided, especially at the upper elevations. Unless they've recently slid - meaning down to the dirt and rocks. Those that have filled back in, could slide again.

Instead of a settlement cone, it's a bagel on a bush. Happy Thanksgiving!

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable