Observation Date
3/19/2015
Observer Name
Glew
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Alta Periphery
Location Name or Route
Alta Periphery
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
There was a rather constant wind till sometime around 1pm that kept most snow surfaces cool besides east and south. After the wind died down most slopes softened some by 3ish. In spring conditions the wind can due a number to keep the snow cool.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Took a quick walk from Catherine's Pass to Mount Wolverine and skied soft snow down SE-S facing terrain. I booted up the ridge and if I ventured out of the preset track I would sink to the ground. The days of around the clock warm temps made the snowpack unsupportable in many locations, unless you had skis on your feet.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Super weak umconsolidated snowpack in many locations. I would imagine if it gets hot and the wind doesnt blow you could potentially knock off wet slides that could gouge down to the ground mostly on rotten southerly facing slopes.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Problem #1 Comments

I noticed poking around on all aspects the snowpack to be pretty rotten and I would imagine if it gets hot enough that all aspects will have the potential to wet slide. I think however things are starting to gain structure due to time and cold nights.

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