Observation: Alta Periphery

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

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

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