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Observation Date
1/12/2017
Observer Name
John Mletschnig
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Wolverine Bowl
Location Name or Route
Wolverine bowl
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Little wind most of the day and 3" of snowfall
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Past wind loads and overhanging cornices primary concern. Newest snow was cracking but very shallow and manageable
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments
Large wind loads line leeward slopes with great prevalence. Slab density along most ridges is hard yet off ridge level a touch of soft slabs are present. Many areas are likely adjusting to their load and will be difficult to trigger.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments
Graupel layer on storm cycle interface with old snow down 70cm is strong in shear but planar. Spatial variability of the strength of the weak layer or a large trigger may prove enough to produce large avalanches..
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
10,100'
Slope Angle
31°
Comments
Could not get propagation in Extended Column tests here in Wolverine Bowl as well as in Grizzly Gulch at similar aspect and elevation. In multiple compression tests results were CTN x2 and CT29, sudden planar (Q1) shear on graupel down 75cm on the storm interface. Two other layers in the upper snowpack down 30 and 35 cm yielded CT12-15 Q2-3 and ECTN 12-15 (These upper graupel layers did not yield propagation results).
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates