Observation Date
4/2/2016
Observer Name
Kelly P
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Tuscarora
Location Name or Route
Wolverine and Tuscarora
Weather
Sky
Clear
Weather Comments
Hot.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Classic spring morning in the Wasatch, deep pow on the protected north aspects showing good signs of stability, with a few managable wind deposits above about 9000ft. South aspect bullet hard most of the morning, East and West supplying various levels of crust. East aspect started roller balling at about 1000am and was skier triggerable by 1030am (East face of Pattsy Marley). South aspect was naturaling near rocks and trees at 11:30am on about 35 degree slopes off Millicent. Protected high North may make it through the day without a crust, however CoalPit head wall north face was glistening at 2:00pm.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
At one point I noticed a party of 3 skiing the huge chute (mid day) with 2 skiers standing on a debris pile from the chute above them, while the 3rd skier skied the chute that created the debris pile. It's always good to practice safe travel skills like being clear of the run out zone for the slide paths around you.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Typical summer heating problems.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
I still was able to kick off a few left over wind pockets with ease. However, only the ones in the sheltered, good skiing zones.
In photo 1 you can see the folks on the debris. Photo 2 is of the lower density protected north snow.... it needs to be pretty protected to survive the sun.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
