Observation: Grizzly Gulch

Observation Date

4/27/2015

Observer Name

Curtis G Freeman

Region

Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Grizzly Gulch

Location Name or Route

Grizzly Gulch region

Weather

Sky

Overcast

Wind Speed

Calm

Weather Comments

Overcast/Low visibility mostly with occasional openings in the clouds. Temps 30 to 45 F. Light variable winds depending on location.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

12"

New Snow Density

High

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Damp

Snow Characteristics Comments

Dense new snow well bonded to partially frozen melt freeze crust. New snow depths up to a foot in places. Wind deposits not very reactive, possibly due to heating due to green housing. I expect all but the highest sheltered snow to have a sun/warming crust on it by tomorrow morning.

Red Flags

Heavy Snowfall

Rapid Warming

Red Flags Comments

Despite the sun behind heavy clouds for most of the day, considerable green housing occurred on all aspects and elevations. The evil late April sun had a widespread effect on the snowpack despite heavy clouds today. Roller balls observed on steeper slopes on all aspects except due north. Wet slide activity also observed on steeper slopes later in the afternoon.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Wet Snow

Trend

Increasing Danger

Problem #1 Comments

Late April sun caused the new snow to react to warming. This trend will continue as the storm breaks and high pressure returns. Avalanche danger will rise to considerable with daytime heating.

Snow Profile

Aspect

Northeast

Elevation

10,000'

Slope Angle

40°

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Moderate

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Considerable

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