Observation Date
3/23/2017
Observer Name
Mark Staples
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Grizzly Gulch
Location Name or Route
Grizzly Gulch
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
13"
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
New snow (35 cm as of 1830 at 10k feet) skied really well and was dense enough to keep our skis above the old crusty snow. The old wet snow underneath was starting to refreeze and form a soft crust. We were out for a meeting and didn't have a chance to assess stability. It was good in our location and the new snow seemed to be bonding well to both itself and the ice crust underneath it. Winds were picking up by 2000.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments
Not sure what the winds will do but this is what I'd be worried about first thing in the morning.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Problem #2 Comments
As the sun appears, loose wet slides would become the next concern on South and West aspects. Perhaps East depending on how quickly things heat up.
Comments
35 cm of new snow at 10,000 feet. There was graupel at the new snow/old snow interface but it was warm and wet. It should bond well as temps cool tonight.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
