Observation: Wolverine Cirque

Observation Date
3/30/2018
Observer Name
cmackenzie
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Wolverine Cirque
Location Name or Route
wolverine cirque
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Steady winds throughout the afternoon.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments

Winds kept snow surface cool throughout the day. Damp snow on south aspects but east and west never progressed past damp. No wet loose activity noted.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Layer of 2-5mm graupel around 20cm down widespread in test+ pits. Graupel layer varied from 5-20cm thick. Somewhat energetic results but unable to fully propagate across ECTs. Didn't dig down past 1 meter but above 9500' felt loose unconsolidated facets probing deeper. Very stout 5-10cm rain crust below 9500' buried down 30-60cm effectively bridging layers below.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

We'll see what happens with winds tomorrow but I anticipate an active pm wet cycle. Cornices could come down naturally as well with the warm temps.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

Although stubborn and spatially variable, I see a moderate risk of a slab failing on the buried graupel layer.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate